thestream--2020-10-31--President Trump, the Conspiracy Is Real

President Trump, the Conspiracy Is Real

Publisher ’ s note : This message by Archbishop Vigano is a direct answer to my prayer that God ’ s truth would be spoken clearly in this day .
We do not have to give our homes , families , communities , cities , counties , states or nation to the deceiver .
He does not have to prevail on our watch .
He does not have to be allowed to walk on us as the tormentors Isaiah referred to .
Our Lord said we ’ re to walk on the enemy , the deceiver , the murderer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s in the power of our Lord ’ s redemptive , unconditional love and transforming truth not only declared , but demonstrated through the lives of the uniquely designed all-important , sprit-filled members of the body of Christ , the church .
Hear our Father and our Lord through what this man has shared .
It is a message from God , not only to President Trump but to the world and to the church , the body of Christ , which the gates of hell must not be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who love freedom , and the church must hear and respond appropriately .
– James Robison Allow me to address you at this hour in which the fate of the whole world is being threatened by a global conspiracy against God and humanity .
I write to you as an Archbishop , as a Successor of the Apostles , as the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America .
I am writing to you in the midst of the silence of both civil and religious authorities .
May you accept these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one crying out in the desert ” ( Jn 1:23 ) .
As I said when I wrote my letter to you in June , this historical moment sees the forces of Evil aligned in a battle without quarter against the forces of Good ; forces of Evil that appear powerful and organized as they oppose the children of Light , who are disoriented and disorganized , abandoned by their temporal and spiritual leaders .
Daily we sense the attacks multiplying of those who want to destroy the very basis of society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human life , love of country , freedom of education and business .
We see heads of nations and religious leaders pandering to this suicide of Western culture and its Christian soul , while the fundamental rights of citizens and believers are denied in the name of a health emergency that is revealing itself more and more fully as instrumental to the establishment of an inhuman faceless tyranny .
A global plan called the Great Reset is underway .
Its architect is a global élite that wants to subdue all of humanity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit individual freedoms and those of entire populations .
In several nations this plan has already been approved and financed ; in others it is still in an early stage .
Behind the world leaders who are the accomplices and executors of this infernal project , there are unscrupulous characters who finance the World Economic Forum and Event 201 , promoting their agenda .
The purpose of the Great Reset is the imposition of a health dictatorship aiming at the imposition of liberticidal measures , hidden behind tempting promises of ensuring a universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price of these concessions from the International Monetary Fund will be the renunciation of private property and adherence to a program of vaccination against Covid-19 and Covid-21 promoted by Bill Gates with the collaboration of the main pharmaceutical groups .
Beyond the enormous economic interests that motivate the promoters of the Great Reset , the imposition of the vaccination will be accompanied by the requirement of a health passport and a digital ID , with the consequent contact tracing of the population of the entire world .
Those who do not accept these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or placed under house arrest , and all their assets will be confiscated .
Mr. President , I imagine that you are already aware that in some countries the Great Reset will be activated between the end of this year and the first trimester of 2021 .
For this purpose , further lockdowns are planned , which will be officially justified by a supposed second and third wave of the pandemic .
You are well aware of the means that have been deployed to sow panic and legitimize draconian limitations on individual liberties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the intentions of its architects , this crisis will serve to make the recourse of nations to the Great Reset irreversible , thereby giving the final blow to a world whose existence and very memory they want to completely cancel .
But this world , Mr. President , includes people , affections , institutions , faith , culture , traditions , and ideals : people and values that do not act like automatons , who do not obey like machines , because they are endowed with a soul and a heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spiritual bond that draws its strength from above , from that God that our adversaries want to challenge , just as Lucifer did at the beginning of time with his “ non serviam.
” Many people – as we well know – are annoyed by this reference to the clash between Good and Evil and the use of “ apocalyptic ” overtones , which according to them exasperates spirits and sharpens divisions .
It is not surprising that the enemy is angered at being discovered just when he believes he has reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What is surprising , however , is that there is no one to sound the alarm .
The reaction of the deep state to those who denounce its plan is broken and incoherent , but understandable .
Just when the complicity of the mainstream media had succeeded in making the transition to the New World Order almost painless and unnoticed , all sorts of deceptions , scandals and crimes are coming to light .
Until a few months ago , it was easy to smear as “ conspiracy theorists ” those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now see being carried out down to the smallest detail .
No one , up until last February , would ever have thought that , in all of our cities , citizens would be arrested simply for wanting to walk down the street , to breathe , to want to keep their business open , to want to go to church on Sunday .
Yet now it is happening all over the world , even in picture-postcard Italy that many Americans consider to be a small enchanted country , with its ancient monuments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its characteristic villages .
And while the politicians are barricaded inside their palaces promulgating decrees like Persian satraps , businesses are failing , shops are closing , and people are prevented from living , traveling , working , and praying .
The disastrous psychological consequences of this operation are already being seen , beginning with the suicides of desperate entrepreneurs and of our children , segregated from friends and classmates , told to follow their classes while sitting at home alone in front of a computer .
In Sacred Scripture , Saint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one who opposes ” the manifestation of the mystery of iniquity , the kathèkon ( 2 Thess 2:6-7 ) .
In the religious sphere , this obstacle to evil is the Church , and in particular the papacy ; in the political sphere , it is those who impede the establishment of the New World Order .
As is now clear , the one who occupies the Chair of Peter has betrayed his role from the very beginning in order to defend and promote the globalist ideology , supporting the agenda of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its ranks .
Mr. President , you have clearly stated that you want to defend the nation – One Nation under God , fundamental liberties , and non-negotiable values that are denied and fought against today .
It is you , dear President , who are “ the one who opposes ” the deep state , the final assault of the children of darkness .
The U.S. Election in the Plan of God For this reason , it is necessary that all people of good will be persuaded of the epochal importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the sake of this or that political program , but because of the general inspiration of your action that best embodies – in this particular historical context – that world , our world , which they want to cancel by means of the lockdown .
Your adversary is also our adversary : it is the Enemy of the human race , He who is “ a murderer from the beginning ” ( Jn 8:44 ) .
Around you are gathered with faith and courage those who consider you the final garrison against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for a person who is manipulated by the deep state , gravely compromised by scandals and corruption , who will do to the United States what Jorge Mario Bergoglio is doing to the Church , Prime Minister Conte to Italy , President Macron to France , Prime Minster Sanchez to Spain , and so on .
The blackmailable nature of Joe Biden – just like that of the prelates of the Vatican ’ s “ magic circle ” – will expose him to be used unscrupulously , allowing illegitimate powers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as international balances .
It is obvious that those who manipulate him already have someone worse than him ready , with whom they will replace him as soon as the opportunity arises .
And yet , in the midst of this bleak picture , this apparently unstoppable advance of the “ Invisible Enemy , ” an element of hope emerges .
The adversary does not know how to love , and it does not understand that it is not enough to assure a universal income or to cancel mortgages in order to subjugate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branded like cattle .
This people , which for too long has endured the abuses of a hateful and tyrannical power , is rediscovering that it has a soul ; it is understanding that it is not willing to exchange its freedom for the homogenization and cancellation of its identity ; it is beginning to understand the value of familial and social ties , of the bonds of faith and culture that unite honest people .
This Great Reset is destined to fail because those who planned it do not understand that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets to defend their rights , to protect their loved ones , to give a future to their children and grandchildren .
The leveling inhumanity of the globalist project will shatter miserably in the face of the firm and courageous opposition of the children of Light .
The enemy has Satan on its side , He who only knows how to hate .
But on our side , we have the Lord Almighty , the God of armies arrayed for battle , and the Most Holy Virgin , who will crush the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If God is for us , who can be against us ?
” ( Rom 8:31 ) .
Mr. President , you are well aware that , in this crucial hour , the United States of America is considered the defending wall against which the war declared by the advocates of globalism has been unleashed .
Place your trust in the Lord , strengthened by the words of the Apostle Paul : “ I can do all things in Him who strengthens me ” ( Phil 4:13 ) .
To be an instrument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for which you will certainly receive all the graces of state that you need , since they are being fervently implored for you by the many people who support you with their prayers .
With this heavenly hope and the assurance of my prayer for you , for the First Lady , and for your collaborators , with all my heart I send you my blessing .
Former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America

Publisher’s note: This message by Archbishop Vigano is a direct answer to my prayer that God’s truth would be spoken clearly in this day. We do not have to give our homes, families, communities, cities, counties, states or nation to the deceiver. He does not have to prevail on our watch. He does not have to be allowed to walk on us as the tormentors Isaiah referred to. Our Lord said we’re to walk on the enemy, the deceiver, the murderer, like dust under our feet, and that’s in the power of our Lord’s redemptive, unconditional love and transforming truth not only declared, but demonstrated through the lives of the uniquely designed all-important, sprit-filled members of the body of Christ, the church.
Hear our Father and our Lord through what this man has shared. It is a message from God, not only to President Trump but to the world and to the church, the body of Christ, which the gates of hell must not be allowed to prevail against. The President, those who love freedom, and the church must hear and respond appropriately. – James Robison
Dear Mr. President,
Allow me to address you at this hour in which the fate of the whole world is being threatened by a global conspiracy against God and humanity. I write to you as an Archbishop, as a Successor of the Apostles, as the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America. I am writing to you in the midst of the silence of both civil and religious authorities. May you accept these words of mine as the “voice of one crying out in the desert” (Jn 1:23).
As I said when I wrote my letter to you in June, this historical moment sees the forces of Evil aligned in a battle without quarter against the forces of Good; forces of Evil that appear powerful and organized as they oppose the children of Light, who are disoriented and disorganized, abandoned by their temporal and spiritual leaders.
Seizing Our Rights
Daily we sense the attacks multiplying of those who want to destroy the very basis of society: the natural family, respect for human life, love of country, freedom of education and business. We see heads of nations and religious leaders pandering to this suicide of Western culture and its Christian soul, while the fundamental rights of citizens and believers are denied in the name of a health emergency that is revealing itself more and more fully as instrumental to the establishment of an inhuman faceless tyranny.
A global plan called the Great Reset is underway. Its architect is a global élite that wants to subdue all of humanity, imposing coercive measures with which to drastically limit individual freedoms and those of entire populations. In several nations this plan has already been approved and financed; in others it is still in an early stage. Behind the world leaders who are the accomplices and executors of this infernal project, there are unscrupulous characters who finance the World Economic Forum and Event 201, promoting their agenda.
A Health Dictatorship
The purpose of the Great Reset is the imposition of a health dictatorship aiming at the imposition of liberticidal measures, hidden behind tempting promises of ensuring a universal income and cancelling individual debt. The price of these concessions from the International Monetary Fund will be the renunciation of private property and adherence to a program of vaccination against Covid-19 and Covid-21 promoted by Bill Gates with the collaboration of the main pharmaceutical groups. Beyond the enormous economic interests that motivate the promoters of the Great Reset, the imposition of the vaccination will be accompanied by the requirement of a health passport and a digital ID, with the consequent contact tracing of the population of the entire world. Those who do not accept these measures will be confined in detention camps or placed under house arrest, and all their assets will be confiscated.
Those who do not accept these measures will be confined in detention camps or placed under house arrest, and all their assets will be confiscated.
Mr. President, I imagine that you are already aware that in some countries the Great Reset will be activated between the end of this year and the first trimester of 2021. For this purpose, further lockdowns are planned, which will be officially justified by a supposed second and third wave of the pandemic. You are well aware of the means that have been deployed to sow panic and legitimize draconian limitations on individual liberties, artfully provoking a world-wide economic crisis.
Irreversible Power Grabs
In the intentions of its architects, this crisis will serve to make the recourse of nations to the Great Reset irreversible, thereby giving the final blow to a world whose existence and very memory they want to completely cancel. But this world, Mr. President, includes people, affections, institutions, faith, culture, traditions, and ideals: people and values that do not act like automatons, who do not obey like machines, because they are endowed with a soul and a heart, because they are tied together by a spiritual bond that draws its strength from above, from that God that our adversaries want to challenge, just as Lucifer did at the beginning of time with his “non serviam.”
Many people – as we well know – are annoyed by this reference to the clash between Good and Evil and the use of “apocalyptic” overtones, which according to them exasperates spirits and sharpens divisions. It is not surprising that the enemy is angered at being discovered just when he believes he has reached the citadel he seeks to conquer undisturbed. What is surprising, however, is that there is no one to sound the alarm. The reaction of the deep state to those who denounce its plan is broken and incoherent, but understandable. Just when the complicity of the mainstream media had succeeded in making the transition to the New World Order almost painless and unnoticed, all sorts of deceptions, scandals and crimes are coming to light.
A Conspiracy, Not a Theory
Until a few months ago, it was easy to smear as “conspiracy theorists” those who denounced these terrible plans, which we now see being carried out down to the smallest detail. No one, up until last February, would ever have thought that, in all of our cities, citizens would be arrested simply for wanting to walk down the street, to breathe, to want to keep their business open, to want to go to church on Sunday.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Yet now it is happening all over the world, even in picture-postcard Italy that many Americans consider to be a small enchanted country, with its ancient monuments, its churches, its charming cities, its characteristic villages. And while the politicians are barricaded inside their palaces promulgating decrees like Persian satraps, businesses are failing, shops are closing, and people are prevented from living, traveling, working, and praying.
The disastrous psychological consequences of this operation are already being seen, beginning with the suicides of desperate entrepreneurs and of our children, segregated from friends and classmates, told to follow their classes while sitting at home alone in front of a computer.
The Mystery of Iniquity
In Sacred Scripture, Saint Paul speaks to us of “the one who opposes” the manifestation of the mystery of iniquity, the kathèkon (2 Thess 2:6-7). In the religious sphere, this obstacle to evil is the Church, and in particular the papacy; in the political sphere, it is those who impede the establishment of the New World Order.
As is now clear, the one who occupies the Chair of Peter has betrayed his role from the very beginning in order to defend and promote the globalist ideology, supporting the agenda of the deep church, who chose him from its ranks.
Mr. President, you have clearly stated that you want to defend the nation – One Nation under God, fundamental liberties, and non-negotiable values that are denied and fought against today. It is you, dear President, who are “the one who opposes” the deep state, the final assault of the children of darkness.
The U.S. Election in the Plan of God
For this reason, it is necessary that all people of good will be persuaded of the epochal importance of the imminent election: not so much for the sake of this or that political program, but because of the general inspiration of your action that best embodies – in this particular historical context – that world, our world, which they want to cancel by means of the lockdown. Your adversary is also our adversary: it is the Enemy of the human race, He who is “a murderer from the beginning” (Jn 8:44).
Around you are gathered with faith and courage those who consider you the final garrison against the world dictatorship. The alternative is to vote for a person who is manipulated by the deep state, gravely compromised by scandals and corruption, who will do to the United States what Jorge Mario Bergoglio is doing to the Church, Prime Minister Conte to Italy, President Macron to France, Prime Minster Sanchez to Spain, and so on.
The blackmailable nature of Joe Biden – just like that of the prelates of the Vatican’s “magic circle” – will expose him to be used unscrupulously, allowing illegitimate powers to interfere in both domestic politics as well as international balances. It is obvious that those who manipulate him already have someone worse than him ready, with whom they will replace him as soon as the opportunity arises.
The Hope of Christ
And yet, in the midst of this bleak picture, this apparently unstoppable advance of the “Invisible Enemy,” an element of hope emerges. The adversary does not know how to love, and it does not understand that it is not enough to assure a universal income or to cancel mortgages in order to subjugate the masses and convince them to be branded like cattle. This people, which for too long has endured the abuses of a hateful and tyrannical power, is rediscovering that it has a soul; it is understanding that it is not willing to exchange its freedom for the homogenization and cancellation of its identity; it is beginning to understand the value of familial and social ties, of the bonds of faith and culture that unite honest people.
This Great Reset is destined to fail because those who planned it do not understand that there are still people ready to take to the streets to defend their rights, to protect their loved ones, to give a future to their children and grandchildren. The leveling inhumanity of the globalist project will shatter miserably in the face of the firm and courageous opposition of the children of Light. The enemy has Satan on its side, He who only knows how to hate. But on our side, we have the Lord Almighty, the God of armies arrayed for battle, and the Most Holy Virgin, who will crush the head of the ancient Serpent. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31).
Trust in the Lord
Mr. President, you are well aware that, in this crucial hour, the United States of America is considered the defending wall against which the war declared by the advocates of globalism has been unleashed. Place your trust in the Lord, strengthened by the words of the Apostle Paul: “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). To be an instrument of Divine Providence is a great responsibility, for which you will certainly receive all the graces of state that you need, since they are being fervently implored for you by the many people who support you with their prayers.
With this heavenly hope and the assurance of my prayer for you, for the First Lady, and for your collaborators, with all my heart I send you my blessing.
God bless the United States of America!
+ Carlo Maria Viganò
Tit. Archbishop of Ulpiana
Former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America


thestream--2020-11-01--Join the ‘Call to Prayer’ for the President at 5 P.M. Eastern, Sunday

At 5 p.m. Sunday , a “ Call to Prayer ” event will be taking place live on President Trump @ @ @ @ @ His daughter-in-law Lara Trump will be hosting .
Among those taking part are faith leaders @ @ @ @ @ Pastor Paula White , Danny & Leyicet Gokey , Dr. Jack Graham , Bishop Kelvin @ @ @ @ @ , Marcus Lamb , Pastor Tony Perkins and Brian Johnson and many others .
To @ @ @ @ @ go to https : //www.facebook.com/DonaldTrump

At 5 p.m., a “Call to Prayer” event will be taking place live on President Trump’s Facebook page. His daughter-in-law Lara Trump will be hosting. Among those taking part are faith leaders Stream Publisher James Robison, Pastor Paula White, Danny & Leyicet Gokey, Dr. Jack Graham, Bishop Kelvin Cobaris, Dr. David Jeremiah, Marcus Lamb, Pastor Tony Perkins and Brian Johnson and many others.
To join in the prayer, go to https://www.facebook.com/DonaldTrump


thestream--2020-10-31--What’s Happened to the Flu?

What’s Happened to the Flu?

In 2020 , the flu seems to have gone missing .
The flu , and the subsequent pneumonia that often accompanies it , count for 5-12 % of all weekly deaths , each and every week , each and every year .
So , all things being equal , this would be terrific news .
If it ’ s true .
The CDC tracks weekly flu samples from public health labs across the country .
During the week of October 12 , 2020 , there were 3,071 tests conducted and the results sent to the CDC .
Only one tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 17,012 cumulative samples taken since September 27 , only 5 , or 0.03 % , were positive .
The CDC also collects tests from private clinical laboratories .
During the week of October 12 , 10,809 tests were conducted , of which of just 33 were positive for flu .
As of September 27 , 35,688 tests were conducted , and only 121 , or 0.3 % , were positive .
What ’ s happening ?
It ’ s not that the number of tests is unusually small .
This level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number coming back positive is much smaller than normal .
Usual levels are about 2 to 3 % positives at clinical labs and 6 % to 19 % at public health labs .
This year it ’ s only 0.03 % –0.3 % !
Now , samples testing positive for flu were high at the beginning of 2020 , as usual .
But positive tests soon dropped .
By the week ending April 5 , they almost completely disappeared .
They ’ re still gone .
This April date , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The CDC estimated there were 24,000 to 62,000 flu deaths from October 1 , 2019 , through April 4 , 2020 .
These numbers are a bit on the low side for a flu season , but not atypical .
How many flu deaths have there been since April 4 ?
The CDC does not say — anymore .
They offer no information just on flu deaths , except in conjunction with COVID deaths .
They say ( in the same link ) that in the week ending October 12 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths were attributed to pneumonia , influenza , or COVID-19.
” But they don ’ t trouble to break out how many of these were due to flu alone , pneumonia alone , or COVID-19 alone .
The best they offer is to say that the flu has caused no pediatric deaths this season .
In the public statistics on weekly deaths , there are also no separate numbers for flu or pneumonia .
Although there are for COVID-19 .
Flu Goes Missing in Official Counts The best we discern is that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 212,328 deaths in 2020 “ involving ” ( their word ) COVID-19 , and 339,473 deaths “ involving ” COVID-19 or flu and pneumonia .
That means there are 127,415 deaths that presumably do not “ involve ” the coronavirus .
That 127,0000 , if correct , would include the portion of 24 to 62 thousand flu deaths that occurred in 2020 , and pneumonia deaths , too .
Up until September 20 of this year , the CDC maintained a separate database that tracked flu and pneumonia deaths separately , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning in late 2013 and continuing until September 20 .
The CDC has since removed the 2020 numbers from this database , though the weekly file is still being generated .
However , if we use the same subtraction “ trick ” as above , we can estimate weekly deaths involving flu and pneumonia , but not COVID-19 .
Doing that shows there have been roughly 2 to 3 thousand flu or pneumonia deaths every week since the end of May .
But it ’ s impossible to specify the breakdown between these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC seeing these curious flu numbers .
It ’ s happening everywhere .
The World Health Organization maintains a Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System , similar in scope and purpose to the CDC ’ s flu tracking .
All those parts of the world that submit flu tests have stopped reporting positive tests .
Flu has gone missing from the WHO ’ s reports since early April , for instance , just as in the US .
Positive tests are a fraction of where they are normally , with no signs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Hemisphere flu season .
This is bizarre .
We can think of three possible ways to explain this .
First and most worrisome is that some ( actual ) flu and pneumonia cases are being mistaken for COVID-19 .
This could be due to the heightened sensitivity of the tests used to identify the coronavirus .
But if this is true , then we will begin to see reports of more young people with deaths “ involving ” COVID-19 .
It will seem that the disease has switched from killing the elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the flu tends to strike the very young and very old .
This could incite new panic .
Second , perhaps the testing is accurate .
Flu really has faded .
That could be because the older people who would have succumbed to it instead died ( or were reported as dying ) of COVID-19 .
In other words , COVID-19 killed those who otherwise would have died from the flu , leaving fewer prospects for the flu to spread this year .
A third explanation : Perhaps only severe cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The weaker ones are showing up as the coronavirus .
Or , rather , the coronavirus tests are everywhere taking precedence , and once they give a positive result , no flu test is performed .
Only time will tell us which of these scenarios , or some other one , is right .
But clearly , our response to the coronavirus has made a mess of our usual way of tracking the flu .
William Briggs , Jay W. Richards , and Douglas Axe are the authors of The Price of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turned a Pandemic into a Catastrophe .

In 2020, the flu seems to have gone missing.
The flu, and the subsequent pneumonia that often accompanies it, count for 5-12% of all weekly deaths, each and every week, each and every year. So, all things being equal, this would be terrific news. If it’s true.
The CDC tracks weekly flu samples from public health labs across the country. During the week of October 12, 2020, there were 3,071 tests conducted and the results sent to the CDC. Only one tested positive for flu. Even stranger, in the 17,012 cumulative samples taken since September 27, only 5, or 0.03%, were positive.
The CDC also collects tests from private clinical laboratories. During the week of October 12, 10,809 tests were conducted, of which of just 33 were positive for flu. As of September 27, 35,688 tests were conducted, and only 121, or 0.3%, were positive.
COVID Up, Flu Down
What’s happening? It’s not that the number of tests is unusually small. This level of sampling is average. But the number coming back positive is much smaller than normal. Usual levels are about 2 to 3% positives at clinical labs and 6% to 19% at public health labs. This year it’s only 0.03%–0.3%!
Now, samples testing positive for flu were high at the beginning of 2020, as usual. But positive tests soon dropped. By the week ending April 5, they almost completely disappeared. They’re still gone.
This April date, of course, coincides with the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.
The CDC estimated there were 24,000 to 62,000 flu deaths from October 1, 2019, through April 4, 2020. These numbers are a bit on the low side for a flu season, but not atypical.
How many flu deaths have there been since April 4? The CDC does not say — anymore. They offer no information just on flu deaths, except in conjunction with COVID deaths. They say (in the same link) that in the week ending October 12, “7.6% of [all] deaths were attributed to pneumonia, influenza, or COVID-19.”
But they don’t trouble to break out how many of these were due to flu alone, pneumonia alone, or COVID-19 alone. The best they offer is to say that the flu has caused no pediatric deaths this season.
In the public statistics on weekly deaths, there are also no separate numbers for flu or pneumonia. Although there are for COVID-19.
Flu Goes Missing in Official Counts
The best we discern is that, as of October 28, there had been 212,328 deaths in 2020 “involving” (their word) COVID-19, and 339,473 deaths “involving” COVID-19 or flu and pneumonia. That means there are 127,415 deaths that presumably do not “involve” the coronavirus.
That 127,0000, if correct, would include the portion of 24 to 62 thousand flu deaths that occurred in 2020, and pneumonia deaths, too.
Up until September 20 of this year, the CDC maintained a separate database that tracked flu and pneumonia deaths separately, and also all deaths of any kind, beginning in late 2013 and continuing until September 20. The CDC has since removed the 2020 numbers from this database, though the weekly file is still being generated.
However, if we use the same subtraction “trick” as above, we can estimate weekly deaths involving flu and pneumonia, but not COVID-19. Doing that shows there have been roughly 2 to 3 thousand flu or pneumonia deaths every week since the end of May. But it’s impossible to specify the breakdown between these.
It’s not only the CDC seeing these curious flu numbers. It’s happening everywhere. The World Health Organization maintains a Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, similar in scope and purpose to the CDC’s flu tracking.
All those parts of the world that submit flu tests have stopped reporting positive tests. Flu has gone missing from the WHO’s reports since early April, for instance, just as in the US. Positive tests are a fraction of where they are normally, with no signs of any increase at the start of the Northern Hemisphere flu season. This is bizarre.
What’s Happening?
We can think of three possible ways to explain this. First and most worrisome is that some (actual) flu and pneumonia cases are being mistaken for COVID-19. This could be due to the heightened sensitivity of the tests used to identify the coronavirus. But if this is true, then we will begin to see reports of more young people with deaths “involving” COVID-19. It will seem that the disease has switched from killing the elderly and infirm to the very young, since the flu tends to strike the very young and very old. This could incite new panic.
Second, perhaps the testing is accurate. Flu really has faded. That could be because the older people who would have succumbed to it instead died (or were reported as dying) of COVID-19. In other words, COVID-19 killed those who otherwise would have died from the flu, leaving fewer prospects for the flu to spread this year.
A third explanation: Perhaps only severe cases of flu are showing up on the tests. The weaker ones are showing up as the coronavirus. Or, rather, the coronavirus tests are everywhere taking precedence, and once they give a positive result, no flu test is performed.
Only time will tell us which of these scenarios, or some other one, is right. But clearly, our response to the coronavirus has made a mess of our usual way of tracking the flu.
William Briggs, Jay W. Richards, and Douglas Axe are the authors of The Price of Panic: How the Tyranny of Experts Turned a Pandemic into a Catastrophe.


thestream--2020-10-31--Here’s Why the Case for God Isn’t a ‘God of the Gaps’ Explanation

Why do Christians hit scientific roadblocks and automatically default to God as an explanation ?
Are we saying , “ @ @ @ @ @ explanation for this — therefore God must have done it ?
” Or does the @ @ @ @ @ God as the best explanation ?
This clip was excerpted from one of J. Warner @ @ @ @ @ sessions ( following a conference presentation ) .
J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline-featured Cold-Case @ @ @ @ @ the Colson Center for Christian Worldview , Adj .
Professor of Christian Apologetics at Talbot @ @ @ @ @ University , author of Cold-Case Christianity , God ’ s Crime Scene , and Forensic @ @ @ @ @ the Case Makers Academy for kids .

Why do Christians hit scientific roadblocks and automatically default to God as an explanation? Are we saying, “There’s no scientific explanation for this — therefore God must have done it?” Or does the evidence itself point emphatically to God as the best explanation? This clip was excerpted from one of J. Warner’s Q and A sessions (following a conference presentation).
J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline-featured Cold-Case Detective, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Adj. Professor of Christian Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, author of Cold-Case Christianity, God’s Crime Scene, and Forensic Faith, and creator of the Case Makers Academy for kids.


thestream--2020-10-31--Burning Our Republic: Election Watch Parties, Cover for Staging Riots

In 1797 , the world stood in awe when George Washington , hero of the American Revolution and first President of the United States , voluntarily stepped down from power to allow his successor John Adams to take his place .
One could say that ’ s when the American experiment took its first true step toward success .
Leaders of nations simply did not abdicate their power .
They clinched it tightly until they died or were overthrown .
To quote the amusing character of King George in Hamilton : Our Founding Fathers built a unique system of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rome for lessons in what not to do .
The Republic , that is , not the Empire .
They weren ’ t so much concerned about the invading Barbarian hordes of the Fifth Century , as they were about Caesar crossing the Rubicon 500 years earlier .
Or more specifically , the monumental government failures that led to that catastrophe .
Historian Mike Duncan has described the final years of the Roman Republic as being marked by : Sound eerily familiar ?
What ’ s just on the horizon for America threatens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization called Protect the Results has arisen in recent months .
Its stated goal is “ upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the final , legitimate results of the 2020 election.
” That sounds all well and good .
Except one need not read far to realize that the only “ legitimate ” result they will accept is the utter defeat of Donald Trump .
Of the coalition ’ s two main sponsors , one says “ Trump is an abomination.
” And the other says , “ Donald Trump is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their homepage , their disdain is on full display : In other words , we support representative democracy .
.
.
unless it leads again to Donald Trump .
Biden is not mentioned anywhere on the site that I can find .
But Trump appears on every page , in nearly every paragraph !
Do you honestly think when these people say the “ losing candidate ” should “ put their ego aside ” that they mean anyone other than Trump ?
And “ constitutional crisis ” ?
Ha !
This , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the electoral college for years .
Those who refer to the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett as “ illegal ” and “ unprecedented , ” and who now plan to pack the court .
So if the results of a free and fair election are a second term for Trump , then obviously ( to them ) the system is broken .
And action needs to be taken .
Here ’ s what they ’ re planning in their own words : Get that ?
Mobilize , protest , pressure .
.
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Right now , this group ’ s sponsors are organizing “ watch parties ” in cities across the country .
More than 400 as of this writing .
According to Reuters , “ Participants are prepping to demonstrate “ as early as the afternoon on Wednesday , November 4 , ” the day after Election Day , and await a SMS message.
” That text message will “ activate ” ( their word ) participants to begin protesting until Trump concedes .
Presumably even if he wins in a historic landslide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may depend a lot upon the political leanings of the local government .
As we ’ ve seen since at least June , the most violent conflicts have emerged in predominantly Democrat-run cities and states .
Their mayors and governors have shown a proclivity to allow riots to continue for months .
A re-elected Trump might have no choice but to federalize the National Guard units in states where governors backed such sedition .
They would have to overrule mayors who stood down the police and subjected helpless citizens to mob violence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
At that point , look for blue state governors to try to resist , and the likelihood of the U.S. military getting involved .
The anti-Trump zealots have thought about that .
Why else disseminate the baseless slander The Atlantic published , with Trump allegedly insulting our fallen soldiers ?
To undermine his control over the military in such a crisis .
Corruption Only Matters if it Comes from the Other Team As any freedom-loving citizen who has studied a modicum of history knows , tyranny can come from either the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not Donald Trump whom I fear will refuse the results of this election .
This past week , reporter Ami Horowitz ventured into the streets of New York City to ask : If Trump wins the election , will you accept the results ?
The answer is repeatedly no , with most assuming his win would only be possible through cheating .
But the most revealing response Horowitz received came from a young , white woman : “ It ’ s time to overthrow all this **** that America has been founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one should not tear down a fence until one finds out why it was put there in the first place .
There just might be an angry bull on the other side , for instance .
But we ’ ve reached a point in history where those tearing down fences see the bull but think it ’ s harmless .
Be alert and pray , my friends .
John Melton is the Acting Editor-in-Chief of The Stream .
He has worked for LIFE Outreach International , The Stream ’ s parent organization , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a background in theology , philosophy , and music .
Most of his professional career has been spent in non-profit administration , marketing and event planning .

In 1797, the world stood in awe when George Washington, hero of the American Revolution and first President of the United States, voluntarily stepped down from power to allow his successor John Adams to take his place. One could say that’s when the American experiment took its first true step toward success. Leaders of nations simply did not abdicate their power. They clinched it tightly until they died or were overthrown.
To quote the amusing character of King George in Hamilton:
“They say George Washington’s yielding his power and stepping away. Is that true? I wasn’t aware that was something a person could do”
Our Founding Fathers built a unique system of government, looking primarily to the collapse of Rome for lessons in what not to do. The Republic, that is, not the Empire. They weren’t so much concerned about the invading Barbarian hordes of the Fifth Century, as they were about Caesar crossing the Rubicon 500 years earlier. Or more specifically, the monumental government failures that led to that catastrophe.
Historian Mike Duncan has described the final years of the Roman Republic as being marked by:
economic inequality, dislocation of traditional ways of life, increasing political polarization, the breakdown of unspoken rules of political conduct . . . rampant corruption, endemic social and ethnic prejudice, battles over access to citizenship and voting rights, ongoing military quagmires, the introduction of violence as a political tool, and a set of elites so obsessed with their own privileges that they refused to reform the system in time to save it.
Sound eerily familiar? What’s just on the horizon for America threatens to be even more terrifying.
Protect the Results
An organization called Protect the Results has arisen in recent months. Its stated goal is “upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the final, legitimate results of the 2020 election.” That sounds all well and good. Except one need not read far to realize that the only “legitimate” result they will accept is the utter defeat of Donald Trump.
Of the coalition’s two main sponsors, one says “Trump is an abomination.” And the other says, “Donald Trump is a symptom of our broken democracy.” Even on their homepage, their disdain is on full display:
We cannot ignore the threat that Trump poses to our democracy and a peaceful transition. We will stand together to ensure that if Trump loses the 2020 presidential election he will not throw our country into a constitutional crisis. We will honor the valid results of the 2020 election, ensure that every vote is counted, and show up to demand that the losing candidate put their ego aside and concede for the good of our country.
In other words, we support representative democracy . . . unless it leads again to Donald Trump. Biden is not mentioned anywhere on the site that I can find. But Trump appears on every page, in nearly every paragraph! Do you honestly think when these people say the “losing candidate” should “put their ego aside” that they mean anyone other than Trump?
And “constitutional crisis”? Ha! This, from those who have been complaining about the electoral college for years. Those who refer to the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett as “illegal” and “unprecedented,” and who now plan to pack the court.
Show Up, Demand
So if the results of a free and fair election are a second term for Trump, then obviously (to them) the system is broken. And action needs to be taken. Here’s what they’re planning in their own words:
If Trump refuses to accept the results, attempts to delegitimize the final results, or interfere with a full and complete count of the votes, Protect the Results will mobilize Americans to safely take to the streets to protest; pressure state, local, and federal officials; and take other actions as decided by the coalition.
Get that? Mobilize, protest, pressure . . . take other actions. Wink, wink!
Right now, this group’s sponsors are organizing “watch parties” in cities across the country. More than 400 as of this writing. According to Reuters, “Participants are prepping to demonstrate “as early as the afternoon on Wednesday, November 4,” the day after Election Day, and await a SMS message.” That text message will “activate” (their word) participants to begin protesting until Trump concedes. Presumably even if he wins in a historic landslide.
Whether or not these grow into riots may depend a lot upon the political leanings of the local government. As we’ve seen since at least June, the most violent conflicts have emerged in predominantly Democrat-run cities and states. Their mayors and governors have shown a proclivity to allow riots to continue for months.
A re-elected Trump might have no choice but to federalize the National Guard units in states where governors backed such sedition. They would have to overrule mayors who stood down the police and subjected helpless citizens to mob violence, as they did through the spring of 2020. At that point, look for blue state governors to try to resist, and the likelihood of the U.S. military getting involved. The anti-Trump zealots have thought about that. Why else disseminate the baseless slander The Atlantic published, with Trump allegedly insulting our fallen soldiers? To undermine his control over the military in such a crisis.
Corruption Only Matters if it Comes from the Other Team
As any freedom-loving citizen who has studied a modicum of history knows, tyranny can come from either the left or the right. But it is not Donald Trump whom I fear will refuse the results of this election.
This past week, reporter Ami Horowitz ventured into the streets of New York City to ask: If Trump wins the election, will you accept the results? The answer is repeatedly no, with most assuming his win would only be possible through cheating.
But the most revealing response Horowitz received came from a young, white woman: “It’s time to overthrow all this **** that America has been founded on.” Watch:
Chesterton quipped that one should not tear down a fence until one finds out why it was put there in the first place. There just might be an angry bull on the other side, for instance. But we’ve reached a point in history where those tearing down fences see the bull but think it’s harmless.
Be alert and pray, my friends.
John Melton is the Acting Editor-in-Chief of The Stream. He has worked for LIFE Outreach International, The Stream’s parent organization, for more than 15 years. He has a background in theology, philosophy, and music. Most of his professional career has been spent in non-profit administration, marketing and event planning.


thestream--2020-10-31--#Election2020: Trump Barnstorms as Biden Baffles and Scares

So let me start by scaring the heebie-jeebies out of you .
That man may soon have his finger on the nuclear button .
Stephen King could not craft a more terrifying thought .
Yes , one can chuckle at the latest sign of Joe Biden ’ s obvious mental deterioration .
# Trunalimunumaprzure .
In fact , hats off to the genius who whipped this up within hours : But in three days , Americans will be deciding whether to make Joe Biden commander-in-chief .
And that is no laughing matter .
It is more Mary Shelley than Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , Russia and Iran think when they see that Biden clip ?
Someone to fear ?
No .
Someone that they ’ ll be able to stomp on like Godzilla .
Heck , what are our soldiers to think when ordered into harm ’ s way , when they know the order came down from a man a few ships short of a battle group ?
Play that clip again .
Or the one where he forgets who he ’ s running against .
Or the one where he forgets he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me how Joe Biden is fit to be president .
Tell me how you will feel safe with him in control .
You can ’ t .
You ’ d need a mask to do so with a straight face .
Kamala Harris : The Next President of the United States Then again , maybe you already think Kamala Harris will be the next president .
That Joe ’ s not even making it to inauguration day .
That certainly seems to be the thinking .
Once again , someone slipped and spilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Texas , Kamala Harris was announced as “ the next president of the United States.
” Joe ’ s obviously down with it .
A few weeks ago , he talked about the “ Harris-Biden ” ticket .
Just the other day , he referred to himself as “ Kamala Harris ’ running mate .
Y ’ all think I ’ m kidding .
I ’ m not.
” The Bidens Under Investigation by the FBI Journalist James Rosen reported and it is now confirmed that “ Hunter Biden and associates ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tony Bobulinksi , the former Biden family partner who came forward last week to confirm Joe ’ s hands-on involvement in Biden Family business , says he was interviewed for five hours by the FBI this month as a “ material witness.
” Somehow the news media hasn ’ t noticed that the Democratic nominee for President has been implicated in a criminal investigation involving accusations of money laundering and more .
( This is the same media that reported a friend of Jared Kushner ’ s was charged with stalking .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ something even more appalling than ignoring the story .
NBC News is waving around a document it says is a fraudulent Hunter conspiracy document .
They are using this bogus document as a way of saying , “ See ?
All the stories about the Bidens are made up !
” Yet , none of the legitimate journalists covering the Biden story , be it the New York Post , Kimberly Strassel of The Wall Street Journal , or Fox News , or Sinclair , or Peter Schweizer , or Sen. Ron Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bogus document .
It is not part of their reporting and investigating .
They ’ re reporting on the legitimate , verified documents from Hunter Biden ’ s laptop , and emails , texts , statements directly from partners involved in the Biden family dealings .
And in the case of Sen. Johnson , an extensive Senate investigation .
NBC is deliberately peddling disinformation .
Creating a distraction in a grotesque effort to distract from the real evidence against the Bidens .
Keep in mind , sister network MSNBC has on its payroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Brennan .
Brennan has been leading the charge claiming — without a drop of evidence — the whole Hunter Biden story is a Russian concoction .
What ’ s another little black op by the IC community against the American people ?
This Halloween , Tim Russert is rolling around in his grave .
Here ’ s another Halloween fright for you .
The media blackout on the true evidence of the Biden family corruption , the complete ignoring of the devastating testimony of Tony Bobulinski , the reality that Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a year , the out-and-out censorship by Facebook and Twitter has had its effect .
Some 51 % of Americans , according to one account , believe the allegations against the Bidens are “ Russian disinformation.
” ( No wonder .
Try a search on “ Tony Bobulinski ” on CNN ’ s website . )
That fact alone should leave loyal , freedom-loving Americans with chills up and down their spines .
The propaganda and censorship worked .
Uncle Sam has been dressed up as Joseph Stalin for Halloween .
Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bunny As for President Donald Trump , he ’ s dressed up this Halloween as the Energizer Bunny .
As rally-happy as he ’ s been since stomping out his case of COVID , Trump is setting a stunning pace these last few days before the election .
Air Force One is making more stops than an ice cream truck .
President Trump , as of right now , has 14 rallies scheduled for the next three days .
And you know he ’ ll try to squeeze more in .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day .
We ’ re not talking about a politician giving a little stump speech and moving on .
Or Biden talking to a few cars , barking at a few Trump supporters and returning to his basement .
These are Trump rallies .
This is a rock-n-roller , crisscrossing the eastern U.S. doing a pedal-to-the-metal set in 14 cities in three days .
Which gets to another of those intangibles that don ’ t show up in polls .
America Likes Those Who Beat the Odds America is a sporting nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like winners .
But more than that , we embrace the competitor , the fighter , the one who bucks the odds .
We don ’ t make movies about the gorgeous studly quarterback who throws for five touchdowns a game .
We make movies about Rudy .
We dig the Apollo Creeds , but we love the Rocky ’ s .
Donald Trump has the bank account and bravado of an Apollo Creed , but he ’ s got the heart and hard head of Rocky .
He doesn ’ t stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This election , Donald Trump is in the ring against the Swamp , the Deep State , the Media , Hollywood , House Democrats , the intelligence community , the DNC , Bush Republicans , Big Tech .
All powerful forces who have punched and pounded him for four years .
Hitting him from behind , hitting below the belt .
Now hitting him with everything they have .
And yet Donald Trump is out there barnstorming the nation , busting his butt , shaking his groove thing , just to again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t take a cent .
Yes , the decision may go against Trump … fair or foul .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi made the creepy statement that “ whatever the vote count is ” — in other words , even if Trump has won — Joe Biden will be inaugurated as President .
But in the end , I believe the American people will rally to the president who refused to be bowed .
This Halloween weekend , America is choosing fearlessness over fear .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 .

It’s Halloween. A day of frights and chills.
So let me start by scaring the heebie-jeebies out of you.
Joe Biden: "I'll lead an effective strategy to mobilize [unintelligible]!" pic.twitter.com/cggH79eZB1 — Trump War Room – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) October 30, 2020
That man may soon have his finger on the nuclear button. Stephen King could not craft a more terrifying thought.
Yes, one can chuckle at the latest sign of Joe Biden’s obvious mental deterioration. #Trunalimunumaprzure. In fact, hats off to the genius who whipped this up within hours:
https://twitter.com/MidnightMitch/status/1322282936347947008?s=20
But in three days, Americans will be deciding whether to make Joe Biden commander-in-chief. And that is no laughing matter. It is more Mary Shelley than Mary Poppins.
What do the leaders of China, Russia and Iran think when they see that Biden clip? Someone to fear? No. Someone that they’ll be able to stomp on like Godzilla.
Heck, what are our soldiers to think when ordered into harm’s way, when they know the order came down from a man a few ships short of a battle group?
Play that clip again. Or the one where he forgets who he’s running against. Or the one where he forgets he’s running for president. Then tell me how Joe Biden is fit to be president. Tell me how you will feel safe with him in control. You can’t. You’d need a mask to do so with a straight face.
Kamala Harris: The Next President of the United States
Then again, maybe you already think Kamala Harris will be the next president. That Joe’s not even making it to inauguration day. That certainly seems to be the thinking.
Once again, someone slipped and spilled the beans. At an event Saturday in Texas, Kamala Harris was announced as “the next president of the United States.”
https://twitter.com/loudclown/status/1322282367235416064
Joe’s obviously down with it. A few weeks ago, he talked about the “Harris-Biden” ticket. Just the other day, he referred to himself as “Kamala Harris’ running mate. Y’all think I’m kidding. I’m not.”
It’s no joke. It’s terrifying.
The Bidens Under Investigation by the FBI
Journalist James Rosen reported and it is now confirmed that “Hunter Biden and associates” have been under FBI investigation since 2019. Tony Bobulinksi, the former Biden family partner who came forward last week to confirm Joe’s hands-on involvement in Biden Family business, says he was interviewed for five hours by the FBI this month as a “material witness.”
Somehow the news media hasn’t noticed that the Democratic nominee for President has been implicated in a criminal investigation involving accusations of money laundering and more. (This is the same media that reported a friend of Jared Kushner’s was charged with stalking.)
In fact, NBC is doing something even more appalling than ignoring the story. NBC News is waving around a document it says is a fraudulent Hunter conspiracy document. They are using this bogus document as a way of saying, “See? All the stories about the Bidens are made up!”
Yet, none of the legitimate journalists covering the Biden story, be it the New York Post, Kimberly Strassel of The Wall Street Journal, or Fox News, or Sinclair, or Peter Schweizer, or Sen. Ron Johnson have any idea about NBC’s bogus document. It is not part of their reporting and investigating. They’re reporting on the legitimate, verified documents from Hunter Biden’s laptop, and emails, texts, statements directly from partners involved in the Biden family dealings. And in the case of Sen. Johnson, an extensive Senate investigation.
NBC is deliberately peddling disinformation. Creating a distraction in a grotesque effort to distract from the real evidence against the Bidens. Keep in mind, sister network MSNBC has on its payroll former CIA director and Russia hoax pusher/creator John Brennan. Brennan has been leading the charge claiming — without a drop of evidence — the whole Hunter Biden story is a Russian concoction. What’s another little black op by the IC community against the American people?
This Halloween, Tim Russert is rolling around in his grave.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Here’s another Halloween fright for you. The media blackout on the true evidence of the Biden family corruption, the complete ignoring of the devastating testimony of Tony Bobulinski, the reality that Joe Biden and kin have been under FBI investigation for a year, the out-and-out censorship by Facebook and Twitter has had its effect.
Some 51% of Americans, according to one account, believe the allegations against the Bidens are “Russian disinformation.” (No wonder. Try a search on “Tony Bobulinski” on CNN’s website.)
That fact alone should leave loyal, freedom-loving Americans with chills up and down their spines. The propaganda and censorship worked. Uncle Sam has been dressed up as Joseph Stalin for Halloween.
Donald Trump is Dressed Up as The Energizer Bunny
As for President Donald Trump, he’s dressed up this Halloween as the Energizer Bunny. As rally-happy as he’s been since stomping out his case of COVID, Trump is setting a stunning pace these last few days before the election. Air Force One is making more stops than an ice cream truck.
President Trump, as of right now, has 14 rallies scheduled for the next three days. And you know he’ll try to squeeze more in. There’s even talk of some campaign stops Election Day.
We’re not talking about a politician giving a little stump speech and moving on. Or Biden talking to a few cars, barking at a few Trump supporters and returning to his basement. These are Trump rallies. This is a rock-n-roller, crisscrossing the eastern U.S. doing a pedal-to-the-metal set in 14 cities in three days.
Which gets to another of those intangibles that don’t show up in polls.
America Likes Those Who Beat the Odds
America is a sporting nation. We love our sports. We like winners. But more than that, we embrace the competitor, the fighter, the one who bucks the odds. We don’t make movies about the gorgeous studly quarterback who throws for five touchdowns a game. We make movies about Rudy. We dig the Apollo Creeds, but we love the Rocky’s.
Donald Trump has the bank account and bravado of an Apollo Creed, but he’s got the heart and hard head of Rocky.
He doesn’t stay down, he doesn’t stop.
This election, Donald Trump is in the ring against the Swamp, the Deep State, the Media, Hollywood, House Democrats, the intelligence community, the DNC, Bush Republicans, Big Tech. All powerful forces who have punched and pounded him for four years. Hitting him from behind, hitting below the belt. Now hitting him with everything they have.
And yet Donald Trump is out there barnstorming the nation, busting his butt, shaking his groove thing, just to again earn a thankless job where he doesn’t take a cent.
Yes, the decision may go against Trump … fair or foul. Speaker Nancy Pelosi made the creepy statement that “whatever the vote count is” — in other words, even if Trump has won — Joe Biden will be inaugurated as President.
But in the end, I believe the American people will rally to the president who refused to be bowed.
This Halloween weekend, America is choosing fearlessness over fear.
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--2020-10-31--Colorado 2020: Right, Left Unite for 22-Week Abortion Ban Ballot Initiative

In Colorado , one of America ’ s most contentious battleground states , liberals and conservatives are working together to save lives in the womb .
“ Most Americans are not comfortable with late-term abortions , ” said Nicole Hunt , a mother of four and pro-life advocate in the Denver area .
“ Year after year , Gallup shows over 80 percent think there ought to be restrictions on late-term abortion .
This proposed policy is consistent with the majority of Americans ’ beliefs on this issue.
” She refers to Proposition 115 , a ballot initiative currently polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortions in Colorado after 22 weeks gestational age , with an exception if the life of the mother was in danger .
More than 153,000 Coloradans signed a petition earlier this year to get Prop 115 on the ballot .
Tom Perille , a retired medical doctor in Englewood , has been a leading voice in support .
Following his 26 years serving patients in a clinical setting , he now heads up the state chapter of Democrats for Life of America .
“ At 22 weeks , this is an immature but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perille in a phone interview .
“ Clearly , he or she is worthy of protection of the law .
When people learn the truth , they realize late-term abortion is extreme.
” Four grassroots groups have emerged to back Prop 115 , including the Coalition to Help Moms and Save Babies led by Hunt .
Pro-life groups have received a combined $ 500,000 to promote Prop 115 .
Their pro-abortion opponents have raised $ 7 million to blitz the state .
Abortion industry advocates are backed by Planned Parenthood , the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spending millions on this shows us they ’ re really concerned they could lose , ” said Hunt .
“ But our grassroots movement is motivated to save lives .
“ We know babies at this stage can feel pain and certainly can live outside the mother ’ s womb.
” More than 2.2 million Coloradans have already voted , a record increase in early voting similar to much of the nation .
“ Pro-life advocates are targeting unaffiliated voters who haven ’ t voted yet , ” she added .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to abortion policy.
” Perille believes voters on the left will be a significant part of any victory .
“ About a third of Democrats are pro-life , ” he said .
“ The truth is , Republicans are not going to come close to winning Colorado .
Our opponents try to paint Prop 115 as some ‘ right-wing extremist ’ effort .
But Democrats such as me have been involved from the inception.
” The medical doctor laments how much the national Democratic Party has shifted .
“ Decades ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the voiceless and marginalized , ” said Perille .
“ Somehow we ’ ve come to a place where abortion extremists run the party .
“ Today , they think it ’ s okay to abort an eight-month-old fetus in the womb !
” Both advocates see the sanctity of life in starkly personal terms .
Hunt recalls the trauma of her first pregnancy over a decade ago .
She developed preeclampsia , a life-threatening condition .
“ My organs were failing and shutting down , ” she told me .
“ Doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
At that time , I was only 27 weeks along in my pregnancy.
” Her daughter , Taylor , was immediately admitted to the neonatal ICU .
With expert care , she was able to head home after 94 days .
Hunt also fully recovered .
Taylor is now a “ happy , thriving , and creative ” 11-year-old , according to her mom .
Hunt has told her story countless times to support Prop 115 , notably in the Denver Post .
“ No woman should ever have to feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child , ” she wrote .
“ There is a better way .
We can help moms and we can save babies.
” For his eye-opening moment on abortion , Perille recalled a scene during his medical residency .
He noticed one female physician training them drove up to the hospital in a Rolls Royce .
“ I found out from fellow residents the reason she had it is because she had an abortion clinic on the side , ” he said .
“ It reinforced what I ’ d learned : that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People don ’ t often realize that money is what drives that practice.
” Hunt has put her convictions into action .
She volunteers at a local pregnancy center called Alternatives .
They provide diapers , clothing , and resources to mothers in need .
“ Being pro-life is about loving women through every part of the journey , ” she said .
“ We come alongside them so moms and their babies can thrive.
” Looking Beyond One Ballot Initiative If enacted , Prop 115 would halt only a small percentage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ compromise ” that is aligned with public support .
“ Never before have we seen a pro-life initiative poll this closely here , ” said Hunt .
Over the past decade , Colorado pro-life leaders have attempted three times to pass a personhood amendment .
Each of those initiatives failed to garner majority support .
While distinctly different , this new policy must overcome millions in negative ads from the abortion industry .
Perille contends compelling medical evidence is on their side .
“ Any Coloradan should recognize that a 22-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ You can be born anywhere between 21 weeks and 42 weeks .
To use birth as the measure of when we grant rights is arbitrary .
Yet that ’ s the current policy.
” Hunt praises liberals as a vital part of the broad coalition .
“ This initiative has been really unifying , which is a rare word to use in the times that we live in !
But no matter who you ’ re supporting on the ballot , you can vote yes on Prop 115.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ physician sees the fight for life as a long road .
“ Science and morality are on the side of the pro-life movement , ” he said .
“ We have to work hard to educate Americans and create alternatives to the killing of a human being.
” Learn more about Colorado ’ s Proposition 115 in the video below .

In Colorado, one of America’s most contentious battleground states, liberals and conservatives are working together to save lives in the womb.
“Most Americans are not comfortable with late-term abortions,” said Nicole Hunt, a mother of four and pro-life advocate in the Denver area.
“Year after year, Gallup shows over 80 percent think there ought to be restrictions on late-term abortion. This proposed policy is consistent with the majority of Americans’ beliefs on this issue.”
She refers to Proposition 115, a ballot initiative currently polling roughly even statewide. It would prohibit abortions in Colorado after 22 weeks gestational age, with an exception if the life of the mother was in danger.
“When people learn the truth, they realize late-term abortion is extreme.” – Tom Perille, M.D.
More than 153,000 Coloradans signed a petition earlier this year to get Prop 115 on the ballot.
Tom Perille, a retired medical doctor in Englewood, has been a leading voice in support. Following his 26 years serving patients in a clinical setting, he now heads up the state chapter of Democrats for Life of America.
“At 22 weeks, this is an immature but fully formed human being,” said Perille in a phone interview. “Clearly, he or she is worthy of protection of the law. When people learn the truth, they realize late-term abortion is extreme.”
Profound Convictions vs. Deep Pockets
Four grassroots groups have emerged to back Prop 115, including the Coalition to Help Moms and Save Babies led by Hunt.
Pro-life groups have received a combined $500,000 to promote Prop 115. Their pro-abortion opponents have raised $7 million to blitz the state.
Abortion industry advocates are backed by Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.
“Spending millions on this shows us they’re really concerned they could lose,” said Hunt. “But our grassroots movement is motivated to save lives.
“We know babies at this stage can feel pain and certainly can live outside the mother’s womb.”
More than 2.2 million Coloradans have already voted, a record increase in early voting similar to much of the nation.
“Pro-life advocates are targeting unaffiliated voters who haven’t voted yet,” she added. “We emphasize this is a reasonable, moderate approach to abortion policy.”
Perille believes voters on the left will be a significant part of any victory.
“About a third of Democrats are pro-life,” he said. “The truth is, Republicans are not going to come close to winning Colorado. Our opponents try to paint Prop 115 as some ‘right-wing extremist’ effort. But Democrats such as me have been involved from the inception.”
The medical doctor laments how much the national Democratic Party has shifted. “Decades ago, my party was about speaking up for the voiceless and marginalized,” said Perille. “Somehow we’ve come to a place where abortion extremists run the party.
“Today, they think it’s okay to abort an eight-month-old fetus in the womb!”
Up Close And Personal
Both advocates see the sanctity of life in starkly personal terms. Hunt recalls the trauma of her first pregnancy over a decade ago. She developed preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition.
“My organs were failing and shutting down,” she told me. “Doctors ordered an emergency C-section to save my life. At that time, I was only 27 weeks along in my pregnancy.”
Her daughter, Taylor, was immediately admitted to the neonatal ICU. With expert care, she was able to head home after 94 days. Hunt also fully recovered.
Taylor is now a “happy, thriving, and creative” 11-year-old, according to her mom. Hunt has told her story countless times to support Prop 115, notably in the Denver Post.
“No woman should ever have to feel her only option is to abort her child,” she wrote. “There is a better way. We can help moms and we can save babies.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
For his eye-opening moment on abortion, Perille recalled a scene during his medical residency. He noticed one female physician training them drove up to the hospital in a Rolls Royce.
“I found out from fellow residents the reason she had it is because she had an abortion clinic on the side,” he said. “It reinforced what I’d learned: that abortion is a very lucrative business. People don’t often realize that money is what drives that practice.”
Hunt has put her convictions into action. She volunteers at a local pregnancy center called Alternatives. They provide diapers, clothing, and resources to mothers in need.
“Being pro-life is about loving women through every part of the journey,” she said. “We come alongside them so moms and their babies can thrive.”
Looking Beyond One Ballot Initiative
If enacted, Prop 115 would halt only a small percentage of abortions in Colorado.
Supporters call it a “compromise” that is aligned with public support. “Never before have we seen a pro-life initiative poll this closely here,” said Hunt.
Over the past decade, Colorado pro-life leaders have attempted three times to pass a personhood amendment. Each of those initiatives failed to garner majority support.
While distinctly different, this new policy must overcome millions in negative ads from the abortion industry. Perille contends compelling medical evidence is on their side.
“Any Coloradan should recognize that a 22-week fetus has inherent value and dignity,” he said. “You can be born anywhere between 21 weeks and 42 weeks. To use birth as the measure of when we grant rights is arbitrary. Yet that’s the current policy.”
Hunt praises liberals as a vital part of the broad coalition. “This initiative has been really unifying, which is a rare word to use in the times that we live in! But no matter who you’re supporting on the ballot, you can vote yes on Prop 115.”
Whatever the outcome, the retired physician sees the fight for life as a long road.
“Science and morality are on the side of the pro-life movement,” he said. “We have to work hard to educate Americans and create alternatives to the killing of a human being.”
Learn more about Colorado’s Proposition 115 in the video below.
Stream contributor Josh M. Shepherd covers culture, faith, and public policy issues for media outlets including The Federalist. Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-11-01--Stephen Strang: Why Trump’s ‘Non-Denominational’ Label Doesn’t Surprise Me

When Donald Trump told Religion News Service he now considers himself a , even though he was confirmed a Presbyterian as a boy and was once a member of Norman Vincent Peale ’ s Marble Collegiate Church in New York City , the news did not surprise me .
That ’ s because I ’ ve followed Trump ’ s spiritual odyssey since I interviewed him about it in 2016 .
I ’ ve since written four books about the president , three of which have “ God ” in the title — the most recent being .
In I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back to Scotland where his mother was born and how she raised her family in America as devout Presbyterians .
As a boy , Trump apparently took his confirmation seriously , based on how he likes to talk about it and show a picture of himself with the other children confirmed with him .
In fact , he chose the Bible his mother gave him at that time to use at his swearing-in ceremony as 45th president of the United States .
In , I dealt with “ where is God in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how could God use such a flawed man as Trump and how this New York ladies ’ man became a champion of religious freedom , constitutional rights and other causes near and dear to conservative Christians such as pro-life and pro-Israel .
I document how he seemed to get more serious about life and began watching Christian television programs such as Jim Bakker , Paula White and Ken and Gloria Copeland in the early 2000s .
Each of those hosts has said the president told them he ’ d watched their programs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nondenominational .
Indeed , that ’ s the trend I ’ ve been covering in Charisma magazine for the past 40 years .
Most growing churches are often started by eager young pastors focused on winning their communities to Christ .
They set up a nondenominational church rather than go through a denomination that may be liberal or , at the very least , is stifling .
Even denominational churches such as Rick Warren ’ s Saddleback Church don ’ t use a denominational name and appear to be nondenominational .
Trump once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him he watched his program .
He also speaks fondly of his relationship with Norman Vincent Peale , and Trump ’ s brand of Christianity seems upbeat like Peale ’ s — think positively and you ’ ll have a winning life .
But the most current influence in his spiritual life has been Paula White-Cain , whom he called after first watching her TV program on a tiny Christian channel based near Mar-a-Lago .
He told her she had the “ it ” factor and had some questions for her .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this pastor from Apopka , Florida , became his “ spiritual adviser.
” I interviewed her , and she says she ’ s been careful never to ask or accept money for her ministry from Trump , but only to pray and be available to him .
In one of our interviews White-Cain explained that with the security and confusion Trump ’ s attendance brings to a church , he rarely attends .
At Easter he often visits an Episcopal church , The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach , Florida .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and invites them to pray for him .
When Trump was thinking of entering the 2012 presidential race , he said he wanted a group of pastors , not to endorse him but to pray about his decision .
Around 2011 , White-Cain called some of her pastor friends — most of them also nondenominational .
They prayed , according to Kenneth Copeland , for six hours and told Trump the time wasn ’ t right for him to run .
When he did run in 2016 they became a part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others such as Dr. James Dobson and James Robison were added .
The Religion News Service , which in my opinion has a politically correct view of what it means to be religious in America , posed questions about why other “ faith groups ” weren ’ t included .
Well , Trump has never been interested in satisfying the politically correct view .
His faith advisers are loyal to him , and many have become friends , so he ’ s satisfied with that .
Besides , whatever Trump did would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Potomac River , some of the media would no doubt attack him for not being able to swim .
The president has always been quiet about his faith .
And why not ?
Faith is about a personal relationship with God , not for public consumption .
But I know pastors who say they have prayed with the president to accept Christ .
But as Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church Dallas said : “ Look , I might not choose this man to be a Sunday school teacher in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what this election is about .
It ’ s about choosing the best leader to reverse the downward spiral of the nation , ” according to reporting in 2016 from The Daily Beast .
As a Christian , I ’ m glad .
I think that ’ s how it should be , not about what denomination he belongs to or if the religious elites approve .
Stephen E. Strang is founder and CEO of Charisma Media .
He is the author of God , Trump , and COVID-19 , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stevestrangbooks.com .

When Donald Trump told Religion News Service he now considers himself a nondenominational Christian , even though he was confirmed a Presbyterian as a boy and was once a member of Norman Vincent Peale’s Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, the news did not surprise me.
That’s because I’ve followed Trump’s spiritual odyssey since I interviewed him about it in 2016. I’ve since written four books about the president, three of which have “God” in the title — the most recent being God, Trump and COVID-19 .
In God and Donald Trump I researched President Trump’s Presbyterian roots going back to Scotland where his mother was born and how she raised her family in America as devout Presbyterians. As a boy, Trump apparently took his confirmation seriously, based on how he likes to talk about it and show a picture of himself with the other children confirmed with him. In fact, he chose the Bible his mother gave him at that time to use at his swearing-in ceremony as 45th president of the United States.
In God, Trump and the 2020 Election , I dealt with “where is God in all of this?” I explored how could God use such a flawed man as Trump and how this New York ladies’ man became a champion of religious freedom, constitutional rights and other causes near and dear to conservative Christians such as pro-life and pro-Israel.
I document how he seemed to get more serious about life and began watching Christian television programs such as Jim Bakker, Paula White and Ken and Gloria Copeland in the early 2000s. Each of those hosts has said the president told them he’d watched their programs for years.
A Trend Towards Nondenominational
All these ministries consider themselves nondenominational. Indeed, that’s the trend I’ve been covering in Charisma magazine for the past 40 years. Most growing churches are often started by eager young pastors focused on winning their communities to Christ. They set up a nondenominational church rather than go through a denomination that may be liberal or, at the very least, is stifling. Even denominational churches such as Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church don’t use a denominational name and appear to be nondenominational.
Trump once attended a David Jeremiah conference and told him he watched his program. He also speaks fondly of his relationship with Norman Vincent Peale, and Trump’s brand of Christianity seems upbeat like Peale’s — think positively and you’ll have a winning life.
A Friendship With Paula White-Cain
But the most current influence in his spiritual life has been Paula White-Cain, whom he called after first watching her TV program on a tiny Christian channel based near Mar-a-Lago. He told her she had the “it” factor and had some questions for her. A friendship ensued, and over the years, this pastor from Apopka, Florida, became his “spiritual adviser.”
I interviewed her, and she says she’s been careful never to ask or accept money for her ministry from Trump, but only to pray and be available to him.
In one of our interviews White-Cain explained that with the security and confusion Trump’s attendance brings to a church, he rarely attends. At Easter he often visits an Episcopal church, The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. But he talks to his evangelical advisers and invites them to pray for him.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
When Trump was thinking of entering the 2012 presidential race, he said he wanted a group of pastors, not to endorse him but to pray about his decision. Around 2011, White-Cain called some of her pastor friends — most of them also nondenominational. They prayed, according to Kenneth Copeland, for six hours and told Trump the time wasn’t right for him to run.
When he did run in 2016 they became a part of the president’s evangelical advisory committee, and others such as Dr. James Dobson and James Robison were added.
The Religion News Service, which in my opinion has a politically correct view of what it means to be religious in America, posed questions about why other “faith groups” weren’t included. Well, Trump has never been interested in satisfying the politically correct view. His faith advisers are loyal to him, and many have become friends, so he’s satisfied with that.
Besides, whatever Trump did would be criticized. If he walked on the Potomac River, some of the media would no doubt attack him for not being able to swim.
A Personal Relationship, Public Policy
The president has always been quiet about his faith. And why not? Faith is about a personal relationship with God, not for public consumption. But I know pastors who say they have prayed with the president to accept Christ.
But as Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church Dallas said: “Look, I might not choose this man to be a Sunday school teacher in my church, but that’s not what this election is about. It’s about choosing the best leader to reverse the downward spiral of the nation,” according to reporting in 2016 from The Daily Beast.
As a Christian, I’m glad. I think that’s how it should be, not about what denomination he belongs to or if the religious elites approve.
Stephen E. Strang is founder and CEO of Charisma Media. He is the author of God, Trump, and COVID-19, as well as many other books. Learn more at stevestrangbooks.com.


thestream--2020-11-01--‘Every City is Preparing for It’: What Police are Doing to Prepare for Possible Election Unrest

• Police departments are likely to collect intelligence on social media , cancel days off and prepare tactical response teams ahead of possible Election Day unrest .
• A New York-based police union official likened the city ’ s level of preparedness to the days following 9/11 and said “ This is not something to take lightly right now.
” • Two union officials told the Daily Caller News Foundation that officers should apprehend instigators quickly in the event that riots break out as the election nears .
Police departments are set to cancel days off , prepare tactical response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unrest as Nov. 3 quickly approaches , according to two police union officials .
The New York City Police Department ( NYPD ) on Oct. 24 told businesses within the boroughs to prepare for possible political violence , The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 24 .
The department has reportedly been preparing for weeks to keep the city secure in the event of election-induced calamity .
Miami , Portland , Seattle , Minneapolis , Orlando , Chicago and other major cities have also reported prepping for possible violence , according to Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York-based Sergeants Benevolent Association , Vincent Vallelong , told the Daily Caller News Foundation that he hadn ’ t seen such disaster preparation in his city since the 9/11 terrorist attacks .
“ Stuff like this was done during 9/11 when everybody went to 12-hour tours , but they basically put the whole job on alert right now , ” Vallelong said during a phone interview .
“ I ’ d be lying to you if I said I wouldn ’ t be worried , ” he continued .
“ We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York the last time this broke out .
This is something not to take lightly right now.
” And the vice president emeritus of the International Union of Police Associations , Dennis Slocumb , said : “ Every city is preparing for it , it ’ s not just New York and Minneapolis .
I would think that any police chief in any metropolitan area has probably been preparing for this for a while.
” “ What they ’ re probably doing is cancelling days off and going on their form of tactical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Office , added .
“ They ’ re probably preparing response teams , and they ’ re going to get those rosters all squared away and make sure they ’ ve got the equipment they ’ re going to need.
” “ I ’ m sure every agency is monitoring social media and they probably have undercover officers involved in both social media and some of these groups , ” he said .
Slocumb also indicated that law enforcement agencies can establish arrangements with surrounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to establish contingency plans if more officers are needed to supplement a certain city ’ s police force .
Those same authorities are likely to begin talks with local trauma centers and their respective fire departments , he said .
Vallelong , who works closely with the NYPD , said police “ should have the horses out , they should have everybody out in [ riot ] masks , and they should allow our judges to make decisions.
” He noted that instigators should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bail reform , which frees detainees that aren ’ t considered violent felons , “ should be suspended.
” “ Keep these people in the system until it gets under control , ” Vallelong told the DCNF .
He said police department heads are in close contact with cities that were plagued by riots after the May death of George Floyd , like Portland and Seattle , in order to learn from past instances of unrest .
He also added that the NYPD is most likely gathering intelligence ahead of Nov. 3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Proper Police Response in NYC ?
The union official , however , insisted that the department ’ s response is contingent on the “ marching orders ” given by Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s administration .
Vallelong said previous decisions by de Blasio during earlier racial justice riots proved to be ineffective .
“ I know what should be done , but it ’ s gon na be a matter of what are the marching orders that are going to be given from city hall when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We know from the past with watching what we saw — they let everybody run loose and pretty much destroy everything in the city.
” Vallelong also said the NYPD is struggling with a lack of officers , as the department experienced a 75 % surge in retirements compared to 2019 , according to Newsday .
Additionally , Yonkers , Westchester , and other New York agencies pledged to refuse to enter the city following a police reform bill that banned chokeholds and other methods of restraints , NBC New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bad and the NYPD can ’ t handle it , I don ’ t know of a bigger police department out there that could come and save them , ” Vallelong said .
“ At that point you ’ re talking about the National Guard .
”

Police departments are likely to collect intelligence on social media, cancel days off and prepare tactical response teams ahead of possible Election Day unrest.
A New York-based police union official likened the city’s level of preparedness to the days following 9/11 and said “This is not something to take lightly right now.”
Two union officials told the Daily Caller News Foundation that officers should apprehend instigators quickly in the event that riots break out as the election nears.
Police departments are set to cancel days off, prepare tactical response teams and gather intelligence about possible election unrest as Nov. 3 quickly approaches, according to two police union officials.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Oct. 24 told businesses within the boroughs to prepare for possible political violence, The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 24. The department has reportedly been preparing for weeks to keep the city secure in the event of election-induced calamity.
Miami, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, Orlando, Chicago and other major cities have also reported prepping for possible violence, according to Fox News.
The vice president of the New York-based Sergeants Benevolent Association, Vincent Vallelong, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that he hadn’t seen such disaster preparation in his city since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“Stuff like this was done during 9/11 when everybody went to 12-hour tours, but they basically put the whole job on alert right now,” Vallelong said during a phone interview.
“I’d be lying to you if I said I wouldn’t be worried,” he continued. “We’ve already seen cops get assaulted in New York the last time this broke out. This is something not to take lightly right now.”
And the vice president emeritus of the International Union of Police Associations, Dennis Slocumb, said: “Every city is preparing for it, it’s not just New York and Minneapolis. I would think that any police chief in any metropolitan area has probably been preparing for this for a while.”
Going on Tactical Alert
“What they’re probably doing is cancelling days off and going on their form of tactical alert,” Slocumb, a veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, added. “They’re probably preparing response teams, and they’re going to get those rosters all squared away and make sure they’ve got the equipment they’re going to need.”
“I’m sure every agency is monitoring social media and they probably have undercover officers involved in both social media and some of these groups,” he said.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Slocumb also indicated that law enforcement agencies can establish arrangements with surrounding departments, known as mutual aid, to establish contingency plans if more officers are needed to supplement a certain city’s police force. Those same authorities are likely to begin talks with local trauma centers and their respective fire departments, he said.
Vallelong, who works closely with the NYPD, said police “should have the horses out, they should have everybody out in [riot] masks, and they should allow our judges to make decisions.”
He noted that instigators should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that New York’s bail reform, which frees detainees that aren’t considered violent felons, “should be suspended.”
“Keep these people in the system until it gets under control,” Vallelong told the DCNF.
He said police department heads are in close contact with cities that were plagued by riots after the May death of George Floyd, like Portland and Seattle, in order to learn from past instances of unrest. He also added that the NYPD is most likely gathering intelligence ahead of Nov. 3.
Will De Blasio Get in the Way of a Proper Police Response in NYC?
The union official, however, insisted that the department’s response is contingent on the “marching orders” given by Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. Vallelong said previous decisions by de Blasio during earlier racial justice riots proved to be ineffective.
“I know what should be done, but it’s gonna be a matter of what are the marching orders that are going to be given from city hall when all of this happens,” he said. “We know from the past with watching what we saw — they let everybody run loose and pretty much destroy everything in the city.”
Vallelong also said the NYPD is struggling with a lack of officers, as the department experienced a 75% surge in retirements compared to 2019, according to Newsday.
Additionally, Yonkers, Westchester, and other New York agencies pledged to refuse to enter the city following a police reform bill that banned chokeholds and other methods of restraints, NBC New York reported.
“If it gets that bad and the NYPD can’t handle it, I don’t know of a bigger police department out there that could come and save them,” Vallelong said. “At that point you’re talking about the National Guard.”
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].