thestream--2020-12-09--What to Do With Your Righteous Indignation

Few things stir our emotions like seeing someone “ get away with murder , ” our way of referring to a devious person who did something absolutely terrible and yet got off scot free .
And all the while these law-evaders laugh us to scorn , as if to say , “ And there ’ s nothing you can do about it !
” How frustrating and enraging .
The movie industry plays into these emotions too , as the good guy gets framed for what the bad guy did .
We know what really happened , but the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are outraged , and there is nothing we can do about it .
Nothing except keep watching with the hope that justice will eventually get done .
The world of professional wrestling thrives on these same emotions , as the crowd goes crazy when the honest and iconic hero gets robbed of a hard-earned victory by the despicable , cunning villain .
Everyone in the audience saw what happened , but the referee missed it .
Trickery triumphed over fairness , and a miscarriage of justice took place in plain sight .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many Americans are feeling about the elections right now .
They are convinced that the votes of more than 73 million citizens were overturned by fraud .
They feel sure that , in plain sight and with the complicity of elected officials , a presidential election was stolen .
They truly believe that the country they love could be irretrievably lost because of the dishonest tactics of the left .
Worse still , if this describes your feelings right now , the matter is out of your hands .
You can pray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ express your frustration .
But others will make the final decision , most likely the courts .
What can you do ?
Roger Kimball , writing at American Greatness , expressed his own opinion candidly , saying , “ Many people , including some good friends , believe that Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election fair and square .
“ Many others — and I place myself among them — believe that something is rotten in the state of Denmark , or , to be more specific , in the cities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Detroit , not to mention Maricopa County , Arizona .
I think what happened was so rotten that I regard the election as illegitimate.
” And so he asks , “ what of those nearly 74 million people who voted for Trump , who are convinced that the election was stolen , and who see in the process , not an affirmation of orderliness but a permanent betrayal ?
What of them ?
” To paraphrase , “ It ’ s just your tough luck , chump .
You might as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consoling words , for sure .
What To Do With Those Emotions As Kimball and others fear , even if there was a way to demonstrate fraud , there might not be time to do it before Joe Biden is officially declared to be our next president .
What then , do you do with your emotions , with your sense of outrage , with your feeling of righteous indignation ?
This is where , for people of faith , God must come into the picture , and at center stage , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Scripture must come alive in a practical way , a way that we can apply to our lives .
As Paul wrote , “ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us , so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope ” ( Romans 15:4 , speaking in particular of the Old Testament writings ) .
Paul ’ s words , of course , were not meant to encourage passivity or inaction .
Absolutely not .
Nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words today .
There will still be time to demonstrate fraud , even if the election can not be overturned once Biden is installed .
At least the truth can be revealed .
And if the election was , in fact , rigged ( for my own view , see here ) , a battle can be fought to reform our voting system before 2022 .
( For the latest data on potential fraud , see here . )
Plus , we have more than enough to fight for on plenty of fronts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
The culture wars and the battle for the soul of our nation will continue to blaze with intensity , and it ’ s a matter of all hands on deck if we are to bring about positive change .
God Thwarts the Plan of the Cunning But I ’ m focusing here on our attitude , on our state of mind , on our emotions .
Job 5:13 states that God “ catches the clever in their craftiness and thwarts the plan of the cunning.
” Put another way , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord will make sure of it .
The Book of Esther provides a vivid commentary on this , as Haman , the villain of the story , plotted to wipe out the Jewish people , with special plans for Mordechai , the Jew whom Haman hated most of all .
He even constructed a 50-foot pole on which he would impale ( or , hang ) Mordechai .
But that ’ s not what happened .
Instead , through God ’ s providential intervention in response to His people ’ s fasting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the point of crushing their enemies .
As for Haman , he was impaled ( or , hung ) on the very pole he constructed .
As for Mordechai , he became a right-hand man to the king .
What a drastic ( and totally unexpected ) turn of events !
Obviously , this does not always happen in history , at least not this quickly .
But in the end , no one gets away with anything .
We will absolutely reap what we sow .
All of us .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to rob justice .
It will not end well for them .
To quote Paul again , “ Do not be deceived : God can not be mocked .
A man reaps what he sows .
Whoever sows to please their flesh , from the flesh will reap destruction ; whoever sows to please the Spirit , from the Spirit will reap eternal life ” ( Galatians 6:7-8 ) .
Not only so , but even in the midst of human corruption and evil , God will work things for the greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8:28 ) .
You can count on it .
Trust God and Let the Truth Shine In the next few days , major election-related decisions will be made by the courts , followed by an official declaration of the electoral votes .
So , now is the perfect time for all believers on all sides of the political spectrum to pray fervently for truth and justice .
Isn ’ t that what we all want ?
If there is no substantial fraud , let it be demonstrated .
If there is substantial fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light .
Let us pray with focus and passion .
But let us also trust God .
He is not a passive bystander .
He will catch the cunning in their own craftiness .
And no matter what Satan or society bring against us , the Lord will turn things for our good .
So , have faith .
God will still be God and His kingdom will still advance on the earth no matter who does what on the earth .
And if I sound like a broken record in saying this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear these truths over and over again in these volatile times .
Let me also encourage you again to meditate on Psalm 37 .
Truth and justice will triumph in the end .
Count on it – or , better still , count on Him .
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 .

Few things stir our emotions like seeing someone “get away with murder,” our way of referring to a devious person who did something absolutely terrible and yet got off scot free. And all the while these law-evaders laugh us to scorn, as if to say, “And there’s nothing you can do about it!” How frustrating and enraging.
The movie industry plays into these emotions too, as the good guy gets framed for what the bad guy did. We know what really happened, but the people on the screen do not. We are outraged, and there is nothing we can do about it. Nothing except keep watching with the hope that justice will eventually get done.
The world of professional wrestling thrives on these same emotions, as the crowd goes crazy when the honest and iconic hero gets robbed of a hard-earned victory by the despicable, cunning villain. Everyone in the audience saw what happened, but the referee missed it. Trickery triumphed over fairness, and a miscarriage of justice took place in plain sight. How can this be?
That’s how many Americans are feeling about the elections right now.
Righteous Anger Over Election
They are convinced that the votes of more than 73 million citizens were overturned by fraud. They feel sure that, in plain sight and with the complicity of elected officials, a presidential election was stolen. They truly believe that the country they love could be irretrievably lost because of the dishonest tactics of the left.
Worse still, if this describes your feelings right now, the matter is out of your hands.
You can pray. You can hope. You can express your frustration. But others will make the final decision, most likely the courts. What can you do?
Roger Kimball, writing at American Greatness, expressed his own opinion candidly, saying, “Many people, including some good friends, believe that Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election fair and square.
“Many others — and I place myself among them — believe that something is rotten in the state of Denmark, or, to be more specific, in the cities of Milwaukee, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Detroit, not to mention Maricopa County, Arizona. I think what happened was so rotten that I regard the election as illegitimate.”
And so he asks, “what of those nearly 74 million people who voted for Trump, who are convinced that the election was stolen, and who see in the process, not an affirmation of orderliness but a permanent betrayal? What of them?”
His answer: “Hard cheese, probably.”
To paraphrase, “It’s just your tough luck, chump. You might as well accept it.”
Not the most consoling words, for sure.
What To Do With Those Emotions
As Kimball and others fear, even if there was a way to demonstrate fraud, there might not be time to do it before Joe Biden is officially declared to be our next president. What then, do you do with your emotions, with your sense of outrage, with your feeling of righteous indignation?
This is where, for people of faith, God must come into the picture, and at center stage, at that. This is where the lessons of Scripture must come alive in a practical way, a way that we can apply to our lives. As Paul wrote, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, speaking in particular of the Old Testament writings).
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Paul’s words, of course, were not meant to encourage passivity or inaction. Absolutely not. Nor is that my intent in quoting his words today.
The crucial Senate races remain in Georgia.
There will still be time to demonstrate fraud, even if the election cannot be overturned once Biden is installed. At least the truth can be revealed.
And if the election was, in fact, rigged (for my own view, see here), a battle can be fought to reform our voting system before 2022. (For the latest data on potential fraud, see here.)
Plus, we have more than enough to fight for on plenty of fronts regardless of who is in the White House. The culture wars and the battle for the soul of our nation will continue to blaze with intensity, and it’s a matter of all hands on deck if we are to bring about positive change.
God Thwarts the Plan of the Cunning
But I’m focusing here on our attitude, on our state of mind, on our emotions.
Job 5:13 states that God “catches the clever in their craftiness and thwarts the plan of the cunning.” Put another way, what goes around, comes around. The Lord will make sure of it.
The Book of Esther provides a vivid commentary on this, as Haman, the villain of the story, plotted to wipe out the Jewish people, with special plans for Mordechai, the Jew whom Haman hated most of all. He even constructed a 50-foot pole on which he would impale (or, hang) Mordechai.
But that’s not what happened.
Instead, through God’s providential intervention in response to His people’s fasting, the Jews were able to defend themselves to the point of crushing their enemies. As for Haman, he was impaled (or, hung) on the very pole he constructed. As for Mordechai, he became a right-hand man to the king. What a drastic (and totally unexpected) turn of events!
Obviously, this does not always happen in history, at least not this quickly. But in the end, no one gets away with anything. We will absolutely reap what we sow. All of us. That’s why I pity those who try to rob justice. It will not end well for them.
To quote Paul again, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8).
Not only so, but even in the midst of human corruption and evil, God will work things for the greater good of His people (see Romans 8:28). You can count on it.
Trust God and Let the Truth Shine
In the next few days, major election-related decisions will be made by the courts, followed by an official declaration of the electoral votes. So, now is the perfect time for all believers on all sides of the political spectrum to pray fervently for truth and justice. Isn’t that what we all want?
If there is no substantial fraud, let it be demonstrated. If there is substantial fraud, let all of it come to light. Let us pray with focus and passion.
But let us also trust God. He is not a passive bystander. He will catch the cunning in their own craftiness. And no matter what Satan or society bring against us, the Lord will turn things for our good.
So, have faith. God will still be God and His kingdom will still advance on the earth no matter who does what on the earth. And if I sound like a broken record in saying this, it’s because we need to hear these truths over and over again in these volatile times.
Let me also encourage you again to meditate on Psalm 37. Truth and justice will triumph in the end. Count on it – or, better still, count on Him.
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--2020-12-08--Advent: Putting Last Things First

Advent: Putting Last Things First

While I hope for good things under the tree , I ’ ve already received the best Advent/Christmas gift anyone has ever given me .
A friend sent me this email from his ICU bed : “ As I lie here in a hospital bed on a ventilator after literally dying 4 weeks ago … God is good .
I did get a glimpse of the other side … glorious.
” Ah , the Christmas season .
Contemplating the coming of the Christ Child and looking forward to Christmas Day .
“ Angels from the Realms of Glory , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Holy Night , ” along with a few ditties like “ Santa Claus is Coming to Town ” and “ Silver Bells ” ring in our ears as we decorate and shop for gifts .
After all , the birth of Jesus is the beginning of our salvation and hope .
So at Christmas — beginning with Advent — we put first things first .
Yet as strange as it may seem , most of Advent is traditionally not about Jesus ’ birth in Bethlehem at all .
Rather than putting first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put last things first .
Advent Draws Our Attention to the Last Things I ’ ve been praying the psalms and reading scripture daily for more than ten years using the Liturgy of the Hours .
And it still comes as an annual surprise that from the beginning of Advent until December 17 , there is very little about Jesus ’ birth in Bethlehem .
The same is true of readings at Mass .
Last week we heard 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 , where Paul promises his readers that Jesus will “ keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
” This week , Peter ( 2 Peter 3:8-14 ) warned that “ the day of the Lord will come like a thief , and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire , and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.
” That is , Advent is less the run-up to Jesus ’ first coming as the child of Mary as it is an extended meditation on His Second Coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He will return as king and judge of everyone and everything .
Thus Advent draws our attention to the four last things : death , judgment , Heaven and Hell .
Of course the Nativity of Our Lord , His coming in the flesh , is critical to Christian theology and Christian living .
No question about that .
But if we stop there , it can lead — it has led and it always will lead — to sentimentality .
“ Aww !
A baby , a manger , Mary and Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angels and happy shepherds .
Isn ’ t that darling .
How heartwarming.
” And indeed the scene is heartwarming .
But this baby ’ s whole destiny has to do with death , judgment , Heaven and Hell .
Separating the child in the manger from the Lord of Glory is a theological and practical mistake .
This baby is not what He seems .
The helpless newborn asleep in the hay is the One to Whom we are answerable all our thoughts , words , and actions from childhood to old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
Thinking about last things first puts His nativity in context , supplying us with the purpose of His birth at Bethlehem .
Justification , yes .
Adoption , yes .
But there ’ s more .
“ Beloved , we are God ’ s children now , ” wrote St. John , “ it does not yet appear what we shall be , but we know that when he appears we shall be like him , for we shall see him as he is ” ( 1 John 3:2 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ century A.D. put it , “ He became what we are so that we might become what He is.
” Waiting for God to Come From the beginning we were made to see God and to become like Him — to become what He is , sharing His divine life .
That is the plan of the ages .
That ’ s where all of salvation history is going : we shall see Him and we shall be like Him .
This is the eternal life of Heaven .
Losing that life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfilling that for which we were made , is Hell .
The Nativity is a part of this great purpose .
Along with the cross and the resurrection it happened in the past .
The Second Coming of Christ as Judge is future .
That story is not over — yet .
But a day will come when the story of this Earth and our lives here will come to an end .
It will either be the day when , as Peter put it , “ the heavens will pass away with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the day we die .
Advent is the season of waiting for God to come .
Like the shepherds , we greet Him as the baby in the manger .
Like all the saints of old , we prepare to greet Him as the Lord of Glory coming to judge the living and the dead and make all things new .
“ I did get a glimpse of the other side … glorious.
” So this Advent , put last things first as we cry out , “ Come , Lord Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior contributor to The Stream , is a freelance writer , speaker and commentator on spirituality , religion and public life .
He is the author of The Liberty Threat : The Attack on Religious Freedom in America Today and Pears , Grapes , and Dates : A Good Life After Mid-Life .
Jim serves as Director of Distance Learning at Wyoming Catholic College and is host of the college ’ s weekly podcast , “ The After Dinner Scholar .
”

(Note: originally published December 8, 2020.)
While I hope for good things under the tree, I’ve already received the best Advent/Christmas gift anyone has ever given me. A friend sent me this email from his ICU bed: “As I lie here in a hospital bed on a ventilator after literally dying 4 weeks ago … God is good. I did get a glimpse of the other side … glorious.”
Ah, the Christmas season. Contemplating the coming of the Christ Child and looking forward to Christmas Day. “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” “Silent Night,” “O, Holy Night,” along with a few ditties like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Silver Bells” ring in our ears as we decorate and shop for gifts.
After all, the birth of Jesus is the beginning of our salvation and hope. So at Christmas — beginning with Advent — we put first things first.
Yet as strange as it may seem, most of Advent is traditionally not about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem at all. Rather than putting first things first, we’re encouraged to put last things first.
Advent Draws Our Attention to the Last Things
I’ve been praying the psalms and reading scripture daily for more than ten years using the Liturgy of the Hours. And it still comes as an annual surprise that from the beginning of Advent until December 17, there is very little about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
The same is true of readings at Mass. Last week we heard 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, where Paul promises his readers that Jesus will “keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This week, Peter (2 Peter 3:8-14) warned that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
That is, Advent is less the run-up to Jesus’ first coming as the child of Mary as it is an extended meditation on His Second Coming in glory as king and judge. He will return as king and judge of everyone and everything. Thus Advent draws our attention to the four last things: death, judgment, Heaven and Hell.
‘Beloved, We Are God’s Children Now’
Of course the Nativity of Our Lord, His coming in the flesh, is critical to Christian theology and Christian living. No question about that. But if we stop there, it can lead — it has led and it always will lead — to sentimentality.
“Aww! A baby, a manger, Mary and Joseph, sheep, cattle lowing, bright angels and happy shepherds. Isn’t that darling. How heartwarming.”
Thinking about last things first puts His nativity in context, supplying us with the purpose of His birth at Bethlehem.
And indeed the scene is heartwarming. But this baby’s whole destiny has to do with death, judgment, Heaven and Hell. Separating the child in the manger from the Lord of Glory is a theological and practical mistake.
This baby is not what He seems. The helpless newborn asleep in the hay is the One to Whom we are answerable all our thoughts, words, and actions from childhood to old age. There is nothing heartwarming about that.
Thinking about last things first puts His nativity in context, supplying us with the purpose of His birth at Bethlehem.
Justification, yes. Adoption, yes. But there’s more. “Beloved, we are God’s children now,” wrote St. John, “it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
Or as St. Irenaeus in the second century A.D. put it, “He became what we are so that we might become what He is.”
Waiting for God to Come
From the beginning we were made to see God and to become like Him — to become what He is, sharing His divine life. That is the plan of the ages. That’s where all of salvation history is going: we shall see Him and we shall be like Him. This is the eternal life of Heaven.
Losing that life, not seeing Him, and thus not fulfilling that for which we were made, is Hell.
The Nativity is a part of this great purpose. Along with the cross and the resurrection it happened in the past. The Second Coming of Christ as Judge is future. That story is not over — yet. But a day will come when the story of this Earth and our lives here will come to an end. It will either be the day when, as Peter put it, “the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar” or it will be the day we die.
Advent is the season of waiting for God to come. Like the shepherds, we greet Him as the baby in the manger. Like all the saints of old, we prepare to greet Him as the Lord of Glory coming to judge the living and the dead and make all things new.
“I did get a glimpse of the other side … glorious.”
So this Advent, put last things first as we cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Dr. James Tonkowich, a senior contributor to The Stream, is a freelance writer, speaker and commentator on spirituality, religion and public life. He is the author of The Liberty Threat: The Attack on Religious Freedom in America Today and Pears, Grapes, and Dates: A Good Life After Mid-Life. Jim serves as Director of Distance Learning at Wyoming Catholic College and is host of the college’s weekly podcast, “The After Dinner Scholar.”


thestream--2020-12-08--The Georgia Ballot-Counting Video: Back Off, Big Brother

Yesterday , we brought you a commentary concerning the video of what appears to be unsupervised ballot-counting by a skeleton crew at State Farm Arena in Fulton County , Georgia .
Reluctantly , out of the goodness of our hearts , we linked to a “ fact ” -check from Leadstories.com that claimed the State Farm Arena story had been “ debunked.
” We even inserted a paragraph paraphrasing a statement from the Georgia secretary of state ’ s chief investigator , Frances Watson ( as if that in itself “ debunked ” anything ) saying the video shows nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envelope-cutters , not vote-counters ; that those containers with ballots in them weren ’ t “ suitcases ” ( we had called them “ containers ” ) ; and that no one was actually told to leave the floor that night .
“ Duly noted , ” we said .
The Washington Post , Newsweek and other outlets took Lead Stories ’ “ debunking ” as gospel .
We would ’ ve risked being labeled misinformation by social media had we not included their “ facts ” in our opinion piece .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Brother — Big Tech , I mean — trying to stop the spread of unsanctioned information .
That they would flag unsanctioned opinion unless we rewrote it to please their sensibilities is a bridge too far .
Mollie Hemingway at The Federalist has written an outstanding piece that fact-checks the fact-checkers on this story .
We were going to put one together ourselves , but she has saved us a lot of work and done a spectacular job .
Hers is a must-read .
First of all , we ’ d like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the end of her piece : Lead Stories says it is funded by Facebook , Google and Bytedance — which , according to Mollie , is “ the Beijing-based and China Communist Party-linked company known for TikTok , ” which Trump has called a national security threat .
We ’ ve already discussed the role Facebook and Google have played to suppress information that might be deemed harmful to Biden ’ s candidacy .
Even the Center for Tech and Civic Life — which is now under scrutiny ( not enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-secure drop boxes in certain “ blue ” areas for the 2016 election — is funded by Facebook and Google , to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars .
Fact-check that .
Ironically , as Mollie points out , Facebook is now using Lead Stories to censor stories critical of Lead Stories .
I guess we know what they ’ ll think of this one .
The great Ms. Hemingway dismantles Lead Stories ’ so-called fact-check .
Security video from the arena , received under subpoena by Rudy Giuliani ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearing out and a small team pulling containers full of ballots from underneath a long , skirted table , where they had sat hidden since morning .
The workers appear to be running ballots through machines with no one looking on .
On Friday , Lead Stories published a “ hoax alert , ” claiming to have debunked the video when they had done no such thing .
It seems that all they had done was to accept election officials ’ claims , hook , line and sinker .
But sworn affidavits from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to them , a woman with blonde braids ( presumably the same braided woman who was there with the skeleton crew ) yelled out to them to stop work , go home and come back in the morning .
Lead Stories said there was no such announcement made to workers , and none made to the media , either — though ABC News , as we reported , said on election night that the count had been shut down .
Their source reportedly was Regina Waller , Fulton County public affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Republican observers ’ story matches ABC News ’ election night reporting perfectly .
Local NBC journalists echoed this report , and so did the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other outlets .
Then there ’ s that story about the busted water main .
There apparently wasn ’ t one , or any broken pipe at all .
The only water-related problem that has come to light is a urinal that overflowed the morning of Election Day and was an issue for a couple of hours .
This was not a big deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the floor above , and they reportedly never even put in a service call .
In fact , Ms. Watson swore in a new affidavit that the original report of a water leak late on Nov. 3 was actually just that overflowing urinal .
But she still maintained that workers and observers “ simply left on their own.
” ( If you were in the middle of doing an official vote count , or watching one , and some people started walking out , would you just leave on your own unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer needed ? )
Also , she said the ballots were put under the table because workers thought they were stopping for the evening .
The video clearly shows them being placed under the table early in the day and being brought OUT after people left .
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ’ s office also claimed that a designated election observer was where he was supposed to be all night , the entire time .
Questions remain about this as well .
First of all , this was one state election board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for partisan monitors and press .
Also , we know he was actually there for less than an hour of the time in question , by his own admission .
Hemingway notes that Fulton County was one of 44 districts in 18 states where the Justice Department sent election monitors .
Apparently , it was one of those places where non-compliance was a concern .
( Interestingly , that list includes Maricopa County , Arizona ; Gwinnett County , Georgia ; Detroit , Michigan ; Philadelphia County , Pennsylvania ; and Milwaukee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these officials were focused on monitoring suppression of voting rights at polling places , not so much what would be happening later during the vote count .
But that ’ s where a whole different kind of voter suppression can happen .
According to Hemingway , an investigator is shown on the video arriving at 12:15 a.m. on November 4 , looking around and talking on his phone .
As far as we know , no reporters or “ fact ” -checkers have asked what he was doing there at that particular time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time they were in the room , they were kept so far away that they couldn ’ t observe .
The video from the facility supports this claim as well .
Hemingway also includes a list of problems cited by President Trump and Georgia Republican Chairman David Shafer calling into question tens of thousands of likely fraudulent votes from felons , underage voters , unregistered voters , double voters , out-of-state voters , deceased voters , etc .
Their lawsuit also alleges that because it was made “ unreasonably difficult ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote ” received essentially no scrutiny .
In Georgia , Biden is currently ahead by a mere 11,770 votes .
We were on firm ground with what we said about the counting in Georgia .
We ’ ve not accused anyone of outright fraud but know what it looks like and will not be gaslighted .
The evidence that this count is wrong must be objectively examined , not swept under the rug ( or hidden under a table ? )
as the media giants would prefer .
Mike Huckabee is the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on issues in culture and current events .
A New York Times best-selling author , he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN .

Yesterday, we brought you a commentary concerning the video of what appears to be unsupervised ballot-counting by a skeleton crew at State Farm Arena in Fulton County, Georgia. Reluctantly, out of the goodness of our hearts, we linked to a “fact”-check from Leadstories.com that claimed the State Farm Arena story had been “debunked.” We even inserted a paragraph paraphrasing a statement from the Georgia secretary of state’s chief investigator, Frances Watson (as if that in itself “debunked” anything) saying the video shows nothing unusual; that the workers were just envelope-cutters, not vote-counters; that those containers with ballots in them weren’t “suitcases” (we had called them “containers”); and that no one was actually told to leave the floor that night. “Duly noted,” we said.
The Washington Post, Newsweek and other outlets took Lead Stories’ “debunking” as gospel. We would’ve risked being labeled misinformation by social media had we not included their “facts” in our opinion piece.
But we have had just about enough of Big Brother — Big Tech, I mean — trying to stop the spread of unsanctioned information. That they would flag unsanctioned opinion unless we rewrote it to please their sensibilities is a bridge too far.
Mollie Hemingway at The Federalist has written an outstanding piece that fact-checks the fact-checkers on this story. We were going to put one together ourselves, but she has saved us a lot of work and done a spectacular job. Hers is a must-read.
Lead Stories
First of all, we’d like to put up front what Mollie saves for the end of her piece: Lead Stories says it is funded by Facebook, Google and Bytedance — which, according to Mollie, is “the Beijing-based and China Communist Party-linked company known for TikTok,” which Trump has called a national security threat. We’ve already discussed the role Facebook and Google have played to suppress information that might be deemed harmful to Biden’s candidacy. Even the Center for Tech and Civic Life — which is now under scrutiny (not enough, though) for funding those unmanned, non-secure drop boxes in certain “blue” areas for the 2016 election — is funded by Facebook and Google, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Fact-check that.
Ironically, as Mollie points out, Facebook is now using Lead Stories to censor stories critical of Lead Stories. I guess we know what they’ll think of this one.
The great Ms. Hemingway dismantles Lead Stories’ so-called fact-check. Security video from the arena, received under subpoena by Rudy Giuliani’s team, clearly shows the room abruptly clearing out and a small team pulling containers full of ballots from underneath a long, skirted table, where they had sat hidden since morning. The workers appear to be running ballots through machines with no one looking on.
On Friday, Lead Stories published a “hoax alert,” claiming to have debunked the video when they had done no such thing. It seems that all they had done was to accept election officials’ claims, hook, line and sinker. But sworn affidavits from Republican observers contradict what the officials said. According to them, a woman with blonde braids (presumably the same braided woman who was there with the skeleton crew) yelled out to them to stop work, go home and come back in the morning.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Lead Stories said there was no such announcement made to workers, and none made to the media, either — though ABC News, as we reported, said on election night that the count had been shut down. Their source reportedly was Regina Waller, Fulton County public affairs manager for elections.
As Hemingway notes, the Republican observers’ story matches ABC News’ election night reporting perfectly. Local NBC journalists echoed this report, and so did the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other outlets.
The Official Statements
Then there’s that story about the busted water main. There apparently wasn’t one, or any broken pipe at all. The only water-related problem that has come to light is a urinal that overflowed the morning of Election Day and was an issue for a couple of hours. This was not a big deal. It even appears to have happened on the floor above, and they reportedly never even put in a service call. In fact, Ms. Watson swore in a new affidavit that the original report of a water leak late on Nov. 3 was actually just that overflowing urinal.
But she still maintained that workers and observers “simply left on their own.” (If you were in the middle of doing an official vote count, or watching one, and some people started walking out, would you just leave on your own unless you knew for sure you were no longer needed?) Also, she said the ballots were put under the table because workers thought they were stopping for the evening. The video clearly shows them being placed under the table early in the day and being brought OUT after people left.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office also claimed that a designated election observer was where he was supposed to be all night, the entire time. Questions remain about this as well. First of all, this was one state election board monitor, who would be no substitute for partisan monitors and press. Also, we know he was actually there for less than an hour of the time in question, by his own admission.
Hemingway notes that Fulton County was one of 44 districts in 18 states where the Justice Department sent election monitors. Apparently, it was one of those places where non-compliance was a concern. (Interestingly, that list includes Maricopa County, Arizona; Gwinnett County, Georgia; Detroit, Michigan; Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.) It looks as though these officials were focused on monitoring suppression of voting rights at polling places, not so much what would be happening later during the vote count. But that’s where a whole different kind of voter suppression can happen.
According to Hemingway, an investigator is shown on the video arriving at 12:15 a.m. on November 4, looking around and talking on his phone. As far as we know, no reporters or “fact”-checkers have asked what he was doing there at that particular time.
Republican watchers swore that even during the time they were in the room, they were kept so far away that they couldn’t observe. The video from the facility supports this claim as well.
Thousands of Likely Fraudulent Votes
Hemingway also includes a list of problems cited by President Trump and Georgia Republican Chairman David Shafer calling into question tens of thousands of likely fraudulent votes from felons, underage voters, unregistered voters, double voters, out-of-state voters, deceased voters, etc. Their lawsuit also alleges that because it was made “unreasonably difficult” to contest questionable ballots, the mail-in “vote” received essentially no scrutiny. In Georgia, Biden is currently ahead by a mere 11,770 votes.
We were on firm ground with what we said about the counting in Georgia. We’ve not accused anyone of outright fraud but know what it looks like and will not be gaslighted. The evidence that this count is wrong must be objectively examined, not swept under the rug (or hidden under a table?) as the media giants would prefer.
Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events. A New York Times best-selling author, he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN.
Originally published at MikeHuckabee.com. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-12-08--Could You Fall in Love With Jesus All Over Again This Christmas?

Would you like a Christmas surprise this year ?
If any Christmas needed it , it ’ s 2020 .
What if you could meet Jesus in a whole new way this season ?
What if you could fall in love with Him all over again ?
I didn ’ t know this was going to happen when I wrote it , but that ’ s exactly what a lot of folks said they experienced when they read my new book Too Good to be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .
In it I asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear people asking very often , which led to answers we hardly ever hear , too .
The results — the answers — came out as spiritually refreshing as the questions were surprising .
Here ’ s one of them .
Don ’ t worry , it leads to a great answer , even though I expect the question will surprise you as much as anything you unwrap from under the tree : Why wasn ’ t Jesus boring ?
There ’ s a lot left to surprise us in Jesus .
Boring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesus have been boring ?
He is God , the Second Person of the Trinity !
He was Emmanuel , God with us , who lived , died , and rose again for us !
Of course He was and is ; I agree with that as emphatically as I can .
Yet there ’ s mystery tucked in there anyway .
First of all , Muslims call Him a great prophet , Hindus say He ’ s an avatar , even some secularists want to claim “ socialist Jesus ” as one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe in Jesus ’ deity or resurrection , yet something about His story draws them in anyway .
But the mystery goes even further .
Something about Jesus ’ story draws people in — by the millions , even — which is very strange , because Jesus was perfect , and perfect characters in stories never do that .
I got an earful on this not long ago from a YouTuber who calls himself Paulogia .
Jesus was a “ Mary Sue , ” he said .
I ’ d never heard the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mary Sues are way-too-good characters in stories .
The term came from fan fiction , where even mediocre writing has its good and its bad , and Mary Sues make for some of the worst .
“ Mary Sues are unrelatable , ” he said , with derision dripping off him like slobber off a St. Bernard ’ s mouth in August .
“ Mary Sues are boring !
Far , far , far from being some literary achievement , the term Mary Sue is a derogatory commentary on sloppy writing… .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ And if Jesus was perfect , he told me in no uncertain terms , He had to have been a “ Mary Sue.
” Boring .
Unrelatable .
There Really Is Such a Thing as a Too-Perfect Character The thing is , he was right — to a point .
I ’ d said exactly the same thing in Too Good to be False , though without the “ Mary Sue ” label .
Jesus is perfect from first to last .
Even at His most human , in the Garden of Gethsemane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to endure .
During His trial and crucifixion you sense He ’ s the captain of all that transpires , not at all a victim .
He suffers greatly , but He suffers very , very well .
Now imagine a great novel ending that way , with some fictional character at the center instead of Jesus .
You know how it would have to be written .
The hero would start out with some serious weakness , from which he and his people would suffer terribly .
He ’ d seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would put him through a tough period of training .
His failures , his self-doubt , his questions would dog him all the way to the end , until finally in a great triumphant moment he conquers both himself and his enemies .
That ’ s how great fiction does it .
Now imagine a novel whose main character was just right from day one .
Perfect , even .
No need to grow , no need to learn , no need to develop in any way .
How many people would read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ Only the worst writers come up with characters like Jesus !
” The Exceptional Story of the Most Extraordinary Person There ’ s a lot left to surprise us in Jesus .
But oh , Paulogia , poor Paulogia .
He didn ’ t see it , and I didn ’ t have the heart to point it out to him , either .
We haven ’ t exactly forgotten Jesus , have we ?
He ’ s only the most widely known person in all history or literature .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ does He ?
Maybe Paulogia doesn ’ t think much of Jesus , but millions and millions worship Him , and many , many thousands have died for Him .
Jesus didn ’ t just break the “ perfect character ” rule , He smashed it to tiny shards .
This is no normal story , in other words .
That means that those who think it ’ s “ just a story ” have a problem on their hands .
If it ’ s just a story , it ’ s very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s just a story , it ’ s the only one that ’ s ever captured anyone ’ s attention with a totally perfect character .
The only one .
And wow , was He perfect ; and my goodness , the attention He ’ s captured !
Skeptics say it ’ s mostly legend .
If so , then the small , loosely connected , nameless groups of believers scattered around the Roman Empire who supposedly came up with this “ legend ” accomplished a feat such as no genius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done .
It would have had to be a true literary miracle .
I ’ d say it ’ s easier to believe in Jesus ’ resurrection than that .
Had you ever thought about that before — about how truly exceptional Jesus ’ story is in that way ?
Christmas should have surprises ; I hope this has been one of them .
And I hope it gives you more reason to marvel over Jesus .
Maybe the next time you hear the Christmas story , or read the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What is it that draws me to Him ?
He ’ s perfect , and in most stories that would mean He ’ d be boring .
Instead I find myself wanting to worship Him .
What is it about Him that does that so amazingly well ?
” I have my ideas on that , but rather than tell you here , I ’ ll let you read and discover for yourself .
It ’ s a different sort of question , and a surprising one at that , but unexpected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You might even find yourself falling in love with Him all over again !
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 .

Would you like a Christmas surprise this year? If any Christmas needed it, it’s 2020. What if you could meet Jesus in a whole new way this season? What if you could fall in love with Him all over again?
I didn’t know this was going to happen when I wrote it, but that’s exactly what a lot of folks said they experienced when they read my new book Too Good to be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality. In it I asked questions about Jesus you don’t hear people asking very often, which led to answers we hardly ever hear, too. The results — the answers — came out as spiritually refreshing as the questions were surprising.
Here’s one of them. Don’t worry, it leads to a great answer, even though I expect the question will surprise you as much as anything you unwrap from under the tree: Why wasn’t Jesus boring?
There’s a lot left to surprise us in Jesus.
Boring???
Boring, you ask?! How could Jesus have been boring? He is God, the Second Person of the Trinity! He was Emmanuel, God with us, who lived, died, and rose again for us! Of course He was and is; I agree with that as emphatically as I can. Yet there’s mystery tucked in there anyway.
First of all, Muslims call Him a great prophet, Hindus say He’s an avatar, even some secularists want to claim “socialist Jesus” as one of their own. None of them believe in Jesus’ deity or resurrection, yet something about His story draws them in anyway.
But the mystery goes even further. Something about Jesus’ story draws people in — by the millions, even — which is very strange, because Jesus was perfect, and perfect characters in stories never do that.
Was Jesus Too Perfect?
I got an earful on this not long ago from a YouTuber who calls himself Paulogia. Jesus was a “Mary Sue,” he said. I’d never heard the term before, but as Paulogia explained, Mary Sues are way-too-good characters in stories. The term came from fan fiction, where even mediocre writing has its good and its bad, and Mary Sues make for some of the worst.
“Mary Sues are unrelatable,” he said, with derision dripping off him like slobber off a St. Bernard’s mouth in August. “Mary Sues are boring! Far, far, far from being some literary achievement, the term Mary Sue is a derogatory commentary on sloppy writing…. the most interesting characters have flaws.”
And if Jesus was perfect, he told me in no uncertain terms, He had to have been a “Mary Sue.” Boring. Unrelatable.
There Really Is Such a Thing as a Too-Perfect Character
The thing is, he was right — to a point. I’d said exactly the same thing in Too Good to be False, though without the “Mary Sue” label. Jesus is perfect from first to last. Even at His most human, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He never questions Himself or His ability to endure. During His trial and crucifixion you sense He’s the captain of all that transpires, not at all a victim. He suffers greatly, but He suffers very, very well.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Now imagine a great novel ending that way, with some fictional character at the center instead of Jesus. You know how it would have to be written. The hero would start out with some serious weakness, from which he and his people would suffer terribly. He’d seek out a mentor, or else circumstances would put him through a tough period of training. His failures, his self-doubt, his questions would dog him all the way to the end, until finally in a great triumphant moment he conquers both himself and his enemies.
That’s how great fiction does it. Now imagine a novel whose main character was just right from day one. Perfect, even. No need to grow, no need to learn, no need to develop in any way. How many people would read it? Would you? As Paulogia said, “Only the worst writers come up with characters like Jesus!”
The Exceptional Story of the Most Extraordinary Person
There’s a lot left to surprise us in Jesus. But oh, Paulogia, poor Paulogia. He didn’t see it, and I didn’t have the heart to point it out to him, either. We haven’t exactly forgotten Jesus, have we? He’s only the most widely known person in all history or literature. He doesn’t bore us, does He? Maybe Paulogia doesn’t think much of Jesus, but millions and millions worship Him, and many, many thousands have died for Him. Jesus didn’t just break the “perfect character” rule, He smashed it to tiny shards.
This is no normal story, in other words. That means that those who think it’s “just a story” have a problem on their hands. If it’s just a story, it’s very much one of a kind. If it’s just a story, it’s the only one that’s ever captured anyone’s attention with a totally perfect character. The only one. And wow, was He perfect; and my goodness, the attention He’s captured!
Skeptics say it’s mostly legend. If so, then the small, loosely connected, nameless groups of believers scattered around the Roman Empire who supposedly came up with this “legend” accomplished a feat such as no genius poet, playwright, or novelist has done. It would have had to be a true literary miracle. I’d say it’s easier to believe in Jesus’ resurrection than that.
Back to Christmas 2020
Had you ever thought about that before — about how truly exceptional Jesus’ story is in that way? Christmas should have surprises; I hope this has been one of them. And I hope it gives you more reason to marvel over Jesus. Maybe the next time you hear the Christmas story, or read the rest of the Gospels you’ll ask yourself, “What is it that draws me to Him? He’s perfect, and in most stories that would mean He’d be boring. Instead I find myself wanting to worship Him. What is it about Him that does that so amazingly well?”
I have my ideas on that, but rather than tell you here, I’ll let you read and discover for yourself. It’s a different sort of question, and a surprising one at that, but unexpected questions can lead to unexpected discoveries. You might even find yourself falling in love with Him all over again!
(Quick footnote to the Paulogia story: He thought he was disproving my case for Jesus, when in reality his “Mary Sue” objections supported and strengthened it. That’s how far he was from understanding what he was critiquing. If you watch his video, be aware that he got his other complaints equally wrong, especially the one about the Qur’an.)
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--2020-12-08--Even YouTube Recognizes the Destructive Power of Words

The announcement sounded promising : “ YouTube to Remind Users Not to be a Jerk in the Comment Sections.
” The reality is that this initiative doesn ’ t have a chance of succeeding .
That ’ s because the internet has proven to be the perfect place for us to act like jerks , with very few consequences and almost no accountability .
Hiding behind the anonymity of our screen names , or using our real names but at a safe distance from those we speak about , we can insult , malign , castigate , accuse , belittle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s content .
We can gossip , we can slander , we can speculate about motives , we can judge hearts , and we can throw around opinions that destroy people ’ s lives and reputations .
The Bible Has Much to Say on This No wonder Jacob ( James ) wrote , “ The tongue also is a fire , a world of evil among the parts of the body .
It corrupts the whole body , sets the whole course of one ’ s life on fire , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( James 3:6 , NIV ) .
These are strong words , indeed , especially when you consider the billions of words being spilled everyday online and in texts and conversations .
We really are setting the whole world on fire with our tongues .
No wonder Proverbs teaches that , “ The tongue has the power of life and death , and those who love it will eat its fruit ” ( Proverbs 18:21 , NIV ) .
Do the words we post online , the words we speak , the words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Do they destroy lives or do they save lives ?
Paul wrote this in Ephesians 4:29-30 , not as a suggestion but as a directive to believers : “ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths , but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs , that it may benefit those who listen .
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God , with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
” We Will Give Account for Reckless Words Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comments ( and memes ! )
, we air our negative opinions about everybody under the sun , from politicians to preachers and from celebrities to church members .
How does this line up with Paul ’ s instructions ?
In times past , this would have been considered gossip and even slander .
Does the internet somehow turn prohibited speech into permitted speech ?
Hardly .
We slice and dice people with our memes and graphics , all for a good laugh or a good put down , all to spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get more shares and likes ( the nastier the meme , the better ) , and all with very little consciousness of God .
Yet Jesus said , “ I tell you , on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak , for by your words you will be justified , and by your words you will be condemned ” ( Matthew 12:36-37 , ESV ) .
Can you imagine what that will look like when we give account for our idle , reckless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God ’ s Warnings A friend sent me this note as we were discussing this ever-present internet plague : “ I think it ’ s vitally important to point out that with the tens of MILLIONS of sarcastic and damning memes , posts , articles , etc.
, most of which are slanderous lies , deceptions , exaggerations , personal opinions that have ZERO proof ( because we have no intimate knowledge of the circumstances ) , how much we , as followers of Christ , have truly set not only the course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but have set the course of the entire world on fire .
Our tongues have created unmeasurable destruction….AND WE ARE COMPLETELY RESPONSIBLE .
We have fundamentally ignored the warnings of God on this matter.
” But do we even care anymore ?
Do we even try to measure our speech ?
Or do we simply post and say whatever comes to mind ?
“ No one is going to tell me what to say !
I ’ ve got a right to speak my mind.
” Except that we don ’ t .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not if we have been bought with a price .
Not if we have another Master .
We now live to do His will , not our own , and we are called to conduct ourselves based on His standards , not ours .
To fail to do so is not only to be reckless and irresponsible .
It is to be downright disobedient .
That ’ s why Proverbs also stated that , “ When words are many , transgression is not lacking , but whoever restrains his lips is prudent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And , “ Reckless speech is like the thrusts of a sword , but the tongue of the wise brings healing ” ( Proverbs 12:18 , TLV ) .
Consistently in Scripture , it is fools — meaning , people who are morally bankrupt — who are unrestrained and destructive in their speech , while it is the wise — meaning people who walk in the fear of the Lord — who are quick to hear , slow to anger , and slow to speak ( see James 1:19 ; Proverbs 17:27-28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are words of truth , words of love , words of integrity , words of justice , words of faith , words of courage , words of restraint .
The words of the wise only hurt in order to heal .
They only tear down in order to build up .
The words of fools are reckless , unrestrained , and destructive .
What about you and me ?
Are we fools or are we wise ?
What does our speech indicate ?
What do our words say about who we are ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart the mouth speaks ( see Luke 6:45 ) .
What is in our hearts ?
Rather than answer that question for ourselves , we should read through Proverbs several times and let God ’ s Word provide the evaluation .
“ Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions ” ( Proverbs 18:2 ) .
And , “ Do you see someone who speaks in haste ?
There is more hope for a fool than for them ” ( Proverbs 29:20 ) .
Are We Foolish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
Are we foolish or are we wise ?
How much of our own communication is hasty or premature or harsh or cruel or highly judgmental ?
And would we talk to people in this way face to face ?
The internet frees us from restraint .
In stark contrast , the words of the wise are measured and restrained .
Yes , “ The tongue of the righteous is choice silver , but the heart of the wicked is of little value ” ( Proverbs 10:20 ) .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard their lips preserve their lives , but those who speak rashly will come to ruin ” ( Proverbs 13:3 , NIV ) .
Do we want to preserve our lives , or do we want to bring ruin on ourselves and on others ?
We do well to pray this prayer before we speak or write : “ Set a guard over my mouth , LORD ; keep watch over the door of my lips ” ( Psalms 141:3 , NIV ) .
We Can Give Life or Destroy It With Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saving lives and destroying lives , not just for ourselves but for many others as well .
To quote Jacob ( James ) once more , “ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father , and with it we curse human beings , who have been made in God ’ s likeness .
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing .
My brothers and sisters , this should not be .
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring ?
My brothers and sisters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a grapevine bear figs ?
Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water ” ( James 3:9-12 ) .
When it comes to your tongue and to mine , what will it be ?
Will we show ourselves to be foolish or wise , those who give life or those who destroy it ?
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The announcement sounded promising: “YouTube to Remind Users Not to be a Jerk in the Comment Sections.” The reality is that this initiative doesn’t have a chance of succeeding. That’s because the internet has proven to be the perfect place for us to act like jerks, with very few consequences and almost no accountability.
Hiding behind the anonymity of our screen names, or using our real names but at a safe distance from those we speak about, we can insult, malign, castigate, accuse, belittle, mock and curse to our heart’s content. We can gossip, we can slander, we can speculate about motives, we can judge hearts, and we can throw around opinions that destroy people’s lives and reputations.
The Bible Has Much to Say on This
No wonder Jacob (James) wrote, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:6, NIV).
These are strong words, indeed, especially when you consider the billions of words being spilled everyday online and in texts and conversations. We really are setting the whole world on fire with our tongues.
No wonder Proverbs teaches that, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV).
This could be the difference between saving lives and destroying lives, not just for ourselves but for many others as well.
Do the words we post online, the words we speak, the words we text, bring life or death? Do they destroy lives or do they save lives?
Paul wrote this in Ephesians 4:29-30, not as a suggestion but as a directive to believers: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
We Will Give Account for Reckless Words
Yet day after day, with endless posts and comments (and memes!), we air our negative opinions about everybody under the sun, from politicians to preachers and from celebrities to church members. How does this line up with Paul’s instructions? In times past, this would have been considered gossip and even slander. Does the internet somehow turn prohibited speech into permitted speech? Hardly.
We slice and dice people with our memes and graphics, all for a good laugh or a good put down, all to spread the latest rumor or theory, all to get more shares and likes (the nastier the meme, the better), and all with very little consciousness of God.
Yet Jesus said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37, ESV).
Can you imagine what that will look like when we give account for our idle, reckless, empty words?
We Have Largely Ignored God’s Warnings
A friend sent me this note as we were discussing this ever-present internet plague: “I think it’s vitally important to point out that with the tens of MILLIONS of sarcastic and damning memes, posts, articles, etc., most of which are slanderous lies, deceptions, exaggerations, personal opinions that have ZERO proof (because we have no intimate knowledge of the circumstances), how much we, as followers of Christ, have truly set not only the course of our own lives on fire, but have set the course of the entire world on fire. Our tongues have created unmeasurable destruction….AND WE ARE COMPLETELY RESPONSIBLE. We have fundamentally ignored the warnings of God on this matter.”
But do we even care anymore? Do we even try to measure our speech? Or do we simply post and say whatever comes to mind? “No one is going to tell me what to say! I’ve got a right to speak my mind.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Except that we don’t. Not if we are followers of Jesus. Not if we have been bought with a price. Not if we have another Master. We now live to do His will, not our own, and we are called to conduct ourselves based on His standards, not ours.
To fail to do so is not only to be reckless and irresponsible. It is to be downright disobedient.
That’s why Proverbs also stated that, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19, ESV). And, “Reckless speech is like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18, TLV).
The Morally Bankrupt Don’t Restrain Their Words
Consistently in Scripture, it is fools — meaning, people who are morally bankrupt — who are unrestrained and destructive in their speech, while it is the wise — meaning people who walk in the fear of the Lord — who are quick to hear, slow to anger, and slow to speak (see James 1:19; Proverbs 17:27-28).
The words of the wise are words of truth, words of love, words of integrity, words of justice, words of faith, words of courage, words of restraint. The words of the wise only hurt in order to heal. They only tear down in order to build up. The words of fools are reckless, unrestrained, and destructive.
What about you and me? Are we fools or are we wise? What does our speech indicate? What do our words say about who we are? Jesus said out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (see Luke 6:45). What is in our hearts?
Rather than answer that question for ourselves, we should read through Proverbs several times and let God’s Word provide the evaluation.
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2). And, “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them” (Proverbs 29:20).
Are We Foolish or Are We Wise?
I ask again. Are we foolish or are we wise? How much of our own communication is hasty or premature or harsh or cruel or highly judgmental? And would we talk to people in this way face to face? The internet frees us from restraint.
In stark contrast, the words of the wise are measured and restrained. Yes, “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value” (Proverbs 10:20).
That’s why Proverbs states, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3, NIV).
Do we want to preserve our lives, or do we want to bring ruin on ourselves and on others? We do well to pray this prayer before we speak or write: “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalms 141:3, NIV).
We Can Give Life or Destroy It With Our Words
This could be the difference between saving lives and destroying lives, not just for ourselves but for many others as well.
To quote Jacob (James) once more, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water” (James 3:9-12).
When it comes to your tongue and to mine, what will it be? Will we show ourselves to be foolish or wise, those who give life or those who destroy it?
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--2020-12-08--Report: Alleged Chinese Spy Raised Money for Eric Swalwell, Planted Intern In His Office

An alleged Chinese spy bundled campaign contributions for California Rep. Eric Swalwell and planted an intern in the Democrat ’ s congressional office , according to a new report .
U.S. intelligence officials said that Christine Fang , the alleged Chinese operative , cozied up to multiple politicians in the California Bay Area between 2011 and 2015 at the direction of China ’ s Ministry of State Security , its internal spy agency , Axios reported Monday night .
Meanwhile , John Ratcliffe , the director of national intelligence , revealed in a Thursday opinion piece for The Wall Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers more than any other country , including Russia and Iran , in order to shape U.S. policy in favor of Beijing .
Ratcliffe said in a Sunday interview that he had briefed the House and Senate Intelligence Committees on the influence efforts .
Swalwell , who was elected to Congress in 2012 , was appointed to the House committee on Jan. 14 , 2015 .
According to Axios , Fang began cultivating ties to American politicos through student organizations at California State University East Bay , where she enrolled in 2011 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school : the Chinese Student Association and the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs .
Through her connections with those groups , Fang attended political events and fundraisers for several prominent Democrats , including Reps. Swalwell , Ro Khanna , Judy Chu , and former Rep. Mike Honda .
Axios also reported that Fang had intimate relationships with two mayors from cities in the Midwest .
Fang developed the closest ties with Swalwell , according to Axios , which cited unnamed current and former U.S. intelligence officials .
She began supporting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was a city councilman in Dublin , California .
Axios published three photos of Fang with Swalwell at political events .
Fang raised money to help Swalwell ’ s reelection campaign in 2014 and placed at least one intern in his congressional office , according to Axios .
Axios did not report that Swalwell was aware of Fang ’ s covert activity .
He has also not been accused of any wrongdoing .
Swalwell ’ s office issued a statement saying that he cut ties with Fang after the FBI provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 .
“ Rep .
Swalwell , long ago , provided information about this person — whom he met more than eight years ago , and whom he hasn ’ t seen in nearly six years — to the FBI .
To protect information that might be classified , he will not participate in your story , ” Swalwell ’ s office told Axios .
According to the website , Fang suddenly left the U.S. in mid-2015 .
Swalwell was a prominent fixture on television during the Russia probe , appearing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that President Donald Trump and members of his campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

An alleged Chinese spy bundled campaign contributions for California Rep. Eric Swalwell and planted an intern in the Democrat’s congressional office, according to a new report.
U.S. intelligence officials said that Christine Fang, the alleged Chinese operative, cozied up to multiple politicians in the California Bay Area between 2011 and 2015 at the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security, its internal spy agency, Axios reported Monday night.
Meanwhile, John Ratcliffe, the director of national intelligence, revealed in a Thursday opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal that Chinese agents have targeted U.S. lawmakers more than any other country, including Russia and Iran, in order to shape U.S. policy in favor of Beijing.
Ratcliffe said in a Sunday interview that he had briefed the House and Senate Intelligence Committees on the influence efforts. Swalwell, who was elected to Congress in 2012, was appointed to the House committee on Jan. 14, 2015.
According to Axios, Fang began cultivating ties to American politicos through student organizations at California State University East Bay, where she enrolled in 2011. She was president of two groups at the school: the Chinese Student Association and the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs.
Through her connections with those groups, Fang attended political events and fundraisers for several prominent Democrats, including Reps. Swalwell, Ro Khanna, Judy Chu, and former Rep. Mike Honda.
Axios also reported that Fang had intimate relationships with two mayors from cities in the Midwest.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Fang developed the closest ties with Swalwell, according to Axios, which cited unnamed current and former U.S. intelligence officials. She began supporting his political career in the early 2010s, when he was a city councilman in Dublin, California. Axios published three photos of Fang with Swalwell at political events.
Fang raised money to help Swalwell’s reelection campaign in 2014 and placed at least one intern in his congressional office, according to Axios.
Axios did not report that Swalwell was aware of Fang’s covert activity. He has also not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Swalwell’s office issued a statement saying that he cut ties with Fang after the FBI provided him a defensive briefing on the matter in 2015.
“Rep. Swalwell, long ago, provided information about this person — whom he met more than eight years ago, and whom he hasn’t seen in nearly six years — to the FBI. To protect information that might be classified, he will not participate in your story,” Swalwell’s office told Axios.
According to the website, Fang suddenly left the U.S. in mid-2015.
Swalwell was a prominent fixture on television during the Russia probe, appearing in interviews where he pushed the now-debunked claim that President Donald Trump and members of his campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election.
Copyright 2020 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--2020-12-08--A ‘Christmas Star’ Will Arrive on December 21: Jupiter and Saturn Will Align to Create a Phenomenon

A ‘Christmas Star’ Will Arrive on December 21: Jupiter and Saturn Will Align to Create a Phenomenon Not Seen Since the Middle Ages

The first day of winter will bring a celestial delight .
According to Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan , Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer than they ’ ve been since the Middle Ages .
The effect will create a “ Christmas Star , ” or “ Star of Bethlehem.
” 2020 can sure use it .
Just after the sun sets on December 21 , the winter solstice , the two planets will look like a double planet , or large star .
“ Alignments between these two planets are rather rare , occurring once every 20 years or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another , ” said Hartigan , a professor of physics and astronomy .
“ You ’ d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4 , 1226 , to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.
” The planets have been inching closer to one another since the summer .
They will be the closest from December 16-25 , just in time for Christmas .
“ On the evening of closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a double planet , separated by only 1/5th the diameter of the full moon .
For most telescope viewers , each planet and several of their largest moons will be visible in the same field of view that evening , ” said Hartigan .
Justin Mason , director of Old Dominion University ’ s Pretlow Planetarium said the event provides “ a little bit of cosmic perspective.
” Especially considering the possible “ conjunction ” or alignment of planets that astronomers believe led the wise men to baby Jesus in Bethlehem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ conjunction of Jupiter , Venus and a star called Regulus took place around 2 B.C .
“ Sometimes with celestial mechanics , things happen close together a couple of times and then that pairing won ’ t happen again for a long , long time.
” Hartigan added that the two will be visible low in the western sky after sunset and the event will last for about an hour .
The next time Jupiter and Saturn will be this close will be March 15 , 2080 , said Hartigan .
After that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen as a “ Christmas Star ” will be after the year 2400 .
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

The first day of winter will bring a celestial delight. According to Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan, Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer than they’ve been since the Middle Ages. The effect will create a “Christmas Star,” or “Star of Bethlehem.” 2020 can sure use it.
Just after the sun sets on December 21, the winter solstice, the two planets will look like a double planet, or large star.
“Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another,” said Hartigan, a professor of physics and astronomy. “You’d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.”
The planets have been inching closer to one another since the summer. They will be the closest from December 16-25, just in time for Christmas.
“On the evening of closest approach on Dec 21 they will look like a double planet, separated by only 1/5th the diameter of the full moon. For most telescope viewers, each planet and several of their largest moons will be visible in the same field of view that evening,” said Hartigan.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Justin Mason, director of Old Dominion University’s Pretlow Planetarium said the event provides “a little bit of cosmic perspective.” Especially considering the possible “conjunction” or alignment of planets that astronomers believe led the wise men to baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Mason told The Virginian-Pilot that a rare conjunction of Jupiter, Venus and a star called Regulus took place around 2 B.C.
“Sometimes with celestial mechanics, things happen close together a couple of times and then that pairing won’t happen again for a long, long time.”
Hartigan added that the two will be visible low in the western sky after sunset and the event will last for about an hour.
The next time Jupiter and Saturn will be this close will be March 15, 2080, said Hartigan. After that, the next time they’re seen as a “Christmas Star” will be after the year 2400.
Merry Christmas.
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-12-08--Don’t Mess with Texas! Texas Sues Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin for Unconstitutional

Don’t Mess with Texas! Texas Sues Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin for Unconstitutionally Changing Election Procedures

Let ’ s get this out in the open .
The summers are miserable , the obsession with football is unhealthy , and it ’ s a pain having to add 10 minutes to any stop you make because Texans are so chatty .
But sometimes Texas does something so downright Texan , you have to climb on your neighbor ’ s pick-up and shout , “ Yee-Haw !
” Just before midnight , the State of Texas threw its massive weight into the election fraud fight .
Texas sued Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin on the grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconstitutional .
And as a result , violated the rights of Texans and those in other states that followed the constitution .
Don ’ t mess with Texas , indeed .
What ’ s more , Texas isn ’ t fiddling around with lower courts .
They marched straight to the Supreme Court .
And they are requesting the Supreme Court order the offending states to allow their legislatures to appoint their presidential electors .
Breitbart was the first major outlet with the story , and breaks down the argument the Lone Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these states violated the Electors Clause of the Constitution because they made changes to voting rules and procedures through the courts or through executive actions , but not through the state legislatures .
Additionally , Texas argues that there were differences in voting rules and procedures in different counties within the states , violating the Constitution ’ s Equal Protection Clause .
Finally , Texas argues that there were “ voting irregularities ” in these states as a result of the above .
In their lawsuit , Texas claims “ certain officials in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic “ as the justification for ignoring state laws regarding absentee and mail-in balloting.
” As streiff at RedState noted , “ there ’ s no pandemic escape hatch in the constitution.
” The offending states then “ flooded their citizenry with tens of millions of ballot applications and ballots in derogation of statutory controls as to how they are lawfully received , evaluated , and counted .
Whether well intentioned or not , these unconstitutional acts had the same uniform effect — they made the 2020 election less secure in the Defendant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the voting rules and procedures violates not only state law , but the Electors Clause of Article II , Section 1 , Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution .
Says Texas , “ By these unlawful acts , the Defendant States have not only tainted the integrity of their own citizens ’ vote , but their actions have also debased the votes of citizens in Plaintiff State and other States that remained loyal to the Constitution.
” “ Their failure to abide by the rule of law casts a dark shadow of doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Texas AG Ken Paxton in a statement , “ We now ask that the Supreme Court step in to correct this egregious error.
” Going to the Supreme Court…a Long Shot , Perhaps Texas approached the Supreme Court directly , Breitbart reports , “ because Article III provides that it is the court of first impression on subjects where it has original jurisdiction , such as disputes between two or more states.
” Is the Supreme Court going to hear the case ?
Twitchy has collected the early reaction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be it ’ s a long shot the Supreme Court will hear the case , let alone rule in Texas ’ favor .
Several commentators note that the suit was filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , not the state ’ s solicitor general Kyle Hawkins , who would be the go-to person for suits like this .
Even if this is a legal “ stunt , ” the move by Texas raises the stakes and makes an important point lost to the “ Orange Man Bad ” crowd happy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by crook .
This is not about Donald Trump .
This is about seeking answers and justice for the 75-plus million people who smell a rat .
And for every other voter who needs assurance that we have fair elections , where every legal vote — and only legal votes — count .
For all those who believe the U.S. Constitution matters .
So for standing up and saying , “ What happened there ain ’ t right , ” all we can say is , “ God Bless Texas.
” Read the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

Update: Reuters is reporting 17 states have now signed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in support of the Texas lawsuit.
Let’s get this out in the open. The summers are miserable, the obsession with football is unhealthy, and it’s a pain having to add 10 minutes to any stop you make because Texans are so chatty. But sometimes Texas does something so downright Texan, you have to climb on your neighbor’s pick-up and shout, “Yee-Haw!”
Just before midnight, the State of Texas threw its massive weight into the election fraud fight. Texas sued Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin on the grounds their ad-hoc changes to election procedures were unconstitutional. And as a result, violated the rights of Texans and those in other states that followed the constitution. Don’t mess with Texas, indeed.
What’s more, Texas isn’t fiddling around with lower courts. They marched straight to the Supreme Court. And they are requesting the Supreme Court order the offending states to allow their legislatures to appoint their presidential electors.
Dodging State Legislatures Was Dodgy
Breitbart was the first major outlet with the story, and breaks down the argument the Lone Star State is making.
Texas argues that these states violated the Electors Clause of the Constitution because they made changes to voting rules and procedures through the courts or through executive actions, but not through the state legislatures. Additionally, Texas argues that there were differences in voting rules and procedures in different counties within the states, violating the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. Finally, Texas argues that there were “voting irregularities” in these states as a result of the above.
In their lawsuit, Texas claims “certain officials in the Defendant States” presented the COVID pandemic “as the justification for ignoring state laws regarding absentee and mail-in balloting.” As streiff at RedState noted, “there’s no pandemic escape hatch in the constitution.”
The offending states then “flooded their citizenry with tens of millions of ballot applications and ballots in derogation of statutory controls as to how they are lawfully received, evaluated, and counted. Whether well intentioned or not, these unconstitutional acts had the same uniform effect — they made the 2020 election less secure in the Defendant States.”
Circumventing their legislatures to rewrite the voting rules and procedures violates not only state law, but the Electors Clause of Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution.
Says Texas, “By these unlawful acts, the Defendant States have not only tainted the integrity of their own citizens’ vote, but their actions have also debased the votes of citizens in Plaintiff State and other States that remained loyal to the Constitution.”
“Their failure to abide by the rule of law casts a dark shadow of doubt over the outcome of the entire election,” said Texas AG Ken Paxton in a statement, “We now ask that the Supreme Court step in to correct this egregious error.”
Going to the Supreme Court…a Long Shot, Perhaps
Texas approached the Supreme Court directly, Breitbart reports, “because Article III provides that it is the court of first impression on subjects where it has original jurisdiction, such as disputes between two or more states.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, and has requested the four Defendant States to respond by Thursday. Twitchy has collected the early reaction of legal types, and the consensus seems to be it’s a long shot the Supreme Court will hear the case, let alone rule in Texas’ favor. Several commentators note that the suit was filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, not the state’s solicitor general Kyle Hawkins, who would be the go-to person for suits like this.
Still, the White House thinks it’s huge news.
https://twitter.com/kayleighmcenany/status/1336310213553647616?s=20
What’s more, a growing number of states are standing behind Texas, including Florida, Louisiana, West Virginia, Missouri, Arkansas and South Dakota.
Even if this is a legal “stunt,” the move by Texas raises the stakes and makes an important point lost to the “Orange Man Bad” crowd happy to see the president ousted by hook or by crook. This is not about Donald Trump. This is about seeking answers and justice for the 75-plus million people who smell a rat. And for every other voter who needs assurance that we have fair elections, where every legal vote — and only legal votes — count. For all those who believe the U.S. Constitution matters.
So for standing up and saying, “What happened there ain’t right,” all we can say is, “God Bless Texas.”
Read the State of Texas lawsuit here:
TX v State Motion 2020-12-0… by Breitbart News
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-12-09--Pornhub Announces ‘Huge Changes’ Following Following NYT Column Alleging the Site Is ‘Infested With

Pornhub Announces ‘Huge Changes’ Following Following NYT Column Alleging the Site Is ‘Infested With Rape Videos’

Pornhub announced momentous changes to the pornography website ’ s safety measures Tuesday following a New York Times column alleging that the site is “ infested with rape videos.
” “ Today , we are taking major steps to further protect our community , ” Pornhub announced Tuesday .
“ Going forward , we will only allow properly identified users to upload content .
We have banned downloads .
We have made some key expansions to our moderation process , and we recently launched a Trusted Flagger Program with dozens of non-profit organizations.
” “ Earlier this year , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missing & Exploited Children , and next year we will issue our first transparency report , ” Pornhub ’ s statement said .
Pulitzer prize-winning opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof had accused Pornhub of monetizing “ child rapes , revenge pornography , spy cam videos of women showering , racist and misogynist content , and footage of women being asphyxiated in plastic bags , ” in a Friday New York Times op-ed .
The massively popular pornography website has been listed the 10th-most-visited website in the world , with 3.5 billion visits a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ad impressions every day , according to Kristof .
“ A search for ‘ girls under18 ’ ( no space ) or ‘ 14yo ’ leads in each case to more than 100,000 videos , ” Kristof wrote .
“ Most aren ’ t of children being assaulted , but too many are.
” Kristof ’ s story sparked a massive backlash against the pornography website , prompting lawmakers to call for investigations into the massive pornography website and pushing major credit card companies to review their relationship with Pornhub .
The Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Tuesday evening tweet , but said that “ a great deal will also depend on whether past content , already on the site , is vetted or removed.
” “ I ’ d add that continued monitoring and pressure will be necessary , and that we should also widen the lens to look at other companies , ” Kristof said .
“ XVideos already has a bigger audience than Pornhub , and fewer scruples , and they should be forced to adopt similar measures — and make them work.
” Kristof also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared their stories with him “ because they didn ’ t want other kids to endure what they had suffered.
” “ It was their courage , their stories , that made this happen , ” he said .
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 .

Editor’s note: This article discusses disturbing pornographic content and sexual crimes.
Pornhub announced momentous changes to the pornography website’s safety measures Tuesday following a New York Times column alleging that the site is “infested with rape videos.”
“Today, we are taking major steps to further protect our community,” Pornhub announced Tuesday. “Going forward, we will only allow properly identified users to upload content. We have banned downloads. We have made some key expansions to our moderation process, and we recently launched a Trusted Flagger Program with dozens of non-profit organizations.”
“Earlier this year, we also partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and next year we will issue our first transparency report,” Pornhub’s statement said.
Pulitzer prize-winning opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof had accused Pornhub of monetizing “child rapes, revenge pornography, spy cam videos of women showering, racist and misogynist content, and footage of women being asphyxiated in plastic bags,” in a Friday New York Times op-ed.
Pornhub just announced huge changes: a.) allow uploads only from verified users; b.) no downloads; c.) improvements in moderation. Initial take: A great deal depends on how responsibly Pornhub implements these, and it hasn't earned my trust at all, but these seem significant. — Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) December 8, 2020
The massively popular pornography website has been listed the 10th-most-visited website in the world, with 3.5 billion visits a month, and profits from almost three billion ad impressions every day, according to Kristof.
“A search for ‘girls under18’ (no space) or ‘14yo’ leads in each case to more than 100,000 videos,” Kristof wrote. “Most aren’t of children being assaulted, but too many are.”
Kristof’s story sparked a massive backlash against the pornography website, prompting lawmakers to call for investigations into the massive pornography website and pushing major credit card companies to review their relationship with Pornhub.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The Times columnist announced Pornhub’s changes in a Tuesday evening tweet, but said that “a great deal will also depend on whether past content, already on the site, is vetted or removed.”
“I’d add that continued monitoring and pressure will be necessary, and that we should also widen the lens to look at other companies,” Kristof said. “XVideos already has a bigger audience than Pornhub, and fewer scruples, and they should be forced to adopt similar measures — and make them work.”
Kristof also thanked the young men and women who shared their stories with him “because they didn’t want other kids to endure what they had suffered.”
“It was their courage, their stories, that made this happen,” he said.
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].