thestream--2020-10-12--#Election2020: You Don’t Deserve to Know Joe Biden’s Court Packing Plans … or His Lectures on Masks

Only 22 days before America decides whether to be a “ shining city on a hill ” or a locked down land of rolling blackouts .
Here ’ s the latest from the campaign trail .
By any reasonable measure , Joe Biden had a dreadful day on the campaign trail Friday .
A disqualifying day .
First , he went to Arizona with Kamala Harris for their first campaign appearance together since the DNC convention .
And it was a bust .
A local reporter was stunned that nobody was there to greet the candidates .
“ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s kind of boring out here .
It ’ s not your typical presidential campaign event .
We don ’ t see people campaigning outside .
We don ’ t see signs or not much of what ’ s going on.
” Joe Biden was asked “ Don ’ t voters deserve to know ” his position on court packing .
His instinctive response was , “ No , they don ’ t deserve to ( know ) .
” Two things about this are stunning and crucial .
First off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
You have every right in the world to know whether Biden plans to jack up the number of Supreme Court justices .
Especially as that will mean adding radical leftists who will fully politicize the third branch of government and guarantee progressive rule in the land for generations .
We need to know what he plans to do .
But Biden says “ you ’ ll know my position when the election is over.
” You “ don ’ t deserve ” to know .
This is unacceptable .
Cowardly .
Cynical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Joe Biden ’ s description of court packing in 2005 .
He also called it “ a power grab.
” In 1983 he called the idea “ bonehead.
” That Biden can ’ t still say it ’ s bonehead and corrupt means only one thing .
It is still a bonehead , corrupt power grab … but he ’ s going to do it anyway .
What ’ s the second part of Biden ’ s “ voters don ’ t deserve ” statement we should find troubling ?
How impulsive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does Joe Biden want to say “ voters don ’ t deserve.
” He ’ s a politician trying to win voters .
Even if you don ’ t think voters deserve to know what you plan to do , you don ’ t say it .
About anything .
But Biden blurted it out with evident irritation .
As we have seen over and over and over and over again during his campaign , whenever challenged , the 2020 Joe Biden responds in anger .
It was a snippy impulse response .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s as telling about his mental condition as his answer is about his future policy plans .
Liberals always worry about a Republican president “ with his finger on the button , ” as if he ’ s just itching to set off a nuclear war .
They depict Trump as dangerously impulsive .
What about a man who can be set off by someone asking a good question ?
Do we want him with his finger on the button ?
Where Are You , Joe ?
Now Joe was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day when he travelled to Nevada and was again asked the question about court packing .
But notice what happens at the end .
Did you catch it ?
Joe Biden still thinks he ’ s in Arizona .
He forgot where he was .
This is hardly the first time .
During the primaries , he famously thought he was in Vermont when he was actually in New Hampshire .
Why is Biden ’ s ( Apparent ) Plan to Pack the Court So Heinous ?
Before we go any further , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What ’ s the big deal about court packing anyway ?
” Even the increasingly partisan AP is trying to downplay it , to their journalistic shame .
Here ’ s an analogy you can use with your friends .
There have been nine Supreme Court Justices since 1869 .
The stability has been one of the great rock foundations of our nation .
Baseball teams also field nine .
What the Democrats are planning to do is unilaterally add more players to the field to make sure the other team can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as Biden himself once said , “ a power grab.
” Last week , Joe Biden blamed Donald Trump for catching COVID .
He harped on how “ anybody who contracts the virus by essentially saying masks don ’ t matter , social distancing doesn ’ t matter , I think is responsible for what happens to them.
” For weeks , Biden has been hitting Trump ’ s COVID response , saying Trump is ignoring the science , and that he is the guy with the knowledge and awareness to fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seen this video you must .
And must share it .
Yes .
Joe Lockdown , Mr .
Mask Mandate himself , pulled down his mask during a public speech , to cough into his hand .
( Even before this , his mask was down below his nose . )
On the plus side , he ’ s now promising a $ 15 million minimum wage .
Yup .
Another Biden gaffe .
Don ’ t Believe the Hype , Part Two Yesterday , we published a list of reasons why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be worth the digital bits they ’ re written with .
Saturday saw another amazing sign of the enthusiasm for President Trump .
30,000 cars and trucks took part in an anti-communism rally in Miami thrown by Latinos for Trump .
Also , Twitchy reposted a wonderful thread comparing polling numbers in 2016 in swing states to today .
The short of it ?
Biden is doing worse than Hillary did .
Then there ’ s the Kamala Factor .
An undercurrent that could turn out to influence the election .
Axios conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Michigan after the debate .
Their focus group expressed the belief that Joe Biden “ won ’ t make it four years , ” and Harris will be president before long .
And the focus group did not like that idea .
“ Biden ’ s not going to make it four years , so Kamala Harris is going to be president .
And I have zero trust she can be president , so I ’ m just picking the lesser of two evils at this point , ” one woman told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Everyone else in the group agreed.
” Pollster Frank Luntz says the reaction echoes what he found at the VP Debate .
President Trump welcomed a couple thousand Blexit members to the White House Saturday afternoon .
Blexit is the organization formed by Candace Owens to help convince blacks to exit the Democrat party .
It was Trump ’ s first event since beating back COVID , and he got an enthusiastic welcome from the predominantly black and brown crowd .
The president even seemed to get emotional at the wave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the speech the minute Trump started talking about how blacks and Latinos are leaving the Democrats .
Critics tried to slam Owens , accusing her of paying people to attend the gathering .
No , Candace ’ s organization simply helped some folks with the cost of getting to and staying in DC .
Good .
Let them believe Trump ’ s support among Blacks and Latinos , particularly younger people , isn ’ t happening .
And it is happening , thanks to candidates like Kim Klasik and Joe Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running against Maxine Waters in California ’ s 43rd district .
Waters has ruled there for decades .
As Collins points out , she just hasn ’ t lived there .
Collins has just released a devastating new ad , similar to Klasik ’ s viral “ walk with me ” ad .
But Collins ’ ad is even more powerful and gut-wrenching .
And personal .
I mean , if your house in South L.A. got shot up in a drive-by as a kid and the neighborhood is worse off than it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see why you ’ d be upset at ol ’ Maxine and her $ 6 million crib .
Please watch and be wowed by this strong new face on the scene .
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 .

Only 22 days before America decides whether to be a “shining city on a hill” or a locked down land of rolling blackouts.
Here’s the latest from the campaign trail.
Biden’s Dreadful Day
By any reasonable measure, Joe Biden had a dreadful day on the campaign trail Friday. A disqualifying day.
First, he went to Arizona with Kamala Harris for their first campaign appearance together since the DNC convention. And it was a bust. A local reporter was stunned that nobody was there to greet the candidates.
“There’s really not much to see. It’s kind of boring out here. It’s not your typical presidential campaign event. We don’t see people campaigning outside. We don’t see signs or not much of what’s going on.”
https://twitter.com/GKeile/status/1315375014288465920?s=20
Then onto Nevada where the real trouble began.
“No, They Don’t Deserve to (Know)”
Joe Biden was asked “Don’t voters deserve to know” his position on court packing. His instinctive response was, “No, they don’t deserve [to know].”
Watch:
Two things about this are stunning and crucial.
The Arrogance
First off, can you believe the shocking arrogance? You have every right in the world to know whether Biden plans to jack up the number of Supreme Court justices. Especially as that will mean adding radical leftists who will fully politicize the third branch of government and guarantee progressive rule in the land for generations.
We need to know what he plans to do. But Biden says “you’ll know my position when the election is over.” You “don’t deserve” to know. This is unacceptable. Cowardly. Cynical. Corrupt.
Actually “corrupt” was Joe Biden’s description of court packing in 2005. He also called it “a power grab.” In 1983 he called the idea “bonehead.”
That Biden can’t still say it’s bonehead and corrupt means only one thing. It is still a bonehead, corrupt power grab … but he’s going to do it anyway.
Biden’s Angry Impulse
What’s the second part of Biden’s “voters don’t deserve” statement we should find troubling? How impulsive and angry it was. No way does Joe Biden want to say “voters don’t deserve.” He’s a politician trying to win voters. Even if you don’t think voters deserve to know what you plan to do, you don’t say it. About anything. But Biden blurted it out with evident irritation.
As we have seen over and over and over and over again during his campaign, whenever challenged, the 2020 Joe Biden responds in anger.
It was a snippy impulse response. Again, when pressed, Biden snaps. That’s as telling about his mental condition as his answer is about his future policy plans. Liberals always worry about a Republican president “with his finger on the button,” as if he’s just itching to set off a nuclear war. They depict Trump as dangerously impulsive. What about a man who can be set off by someone asking a good question? Do we want him with his finger on the button?
Where Are You, Joe?
Now Joe was a little more measured later in the day when again asked the question about court packing. But notice what happens at the end.
Biden saying he’s addressing the people of Arizona… When in fact he’s in Nevada…pic.twitter.com/JMAOnL8GQq — Students For Trump (@TrumpStudents) October 10, 2020
Did you catch it? Joe Biden still thinks he’s in Arizona. He forgot where he was. This is hardly the first time. During the primaries, he famously thought he was in Vermont when he was actually in New Hampshire.
Why is Biden’s (Apparent) Plan to Pack the Court So Heinous?
Before we go any further, we have to briefly answer the question “What’s the big deal about court packing anyway?” Even the increasingly partisan AP is trying to downplay it, to their journalistic shame.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Here’s an analogy you can use with your friends. There have been nine Supreme Court Justices since 1869. The stability has been one of the great rock foundations of our nation. Baseball teams also field nine. What the Democrats are planning to do is unilaterally add more players to the field to make sure the other team can never get a hit.
It is, as Biden himself once said, “a power grab.”
The COVID Violator
Last week, Joe Biden blamed Donald Trump for catching COVID. He harped on how “anybody who contracts the virus by essentially saying masks don’t matter, social distancing doesn’t matter, I think is responsible for what happens to them.”
For weeks, Biden has been hitting Trump’s COVID response, saying Trump is ignoring the science, and that he is the guy with the knowledge and awareness to fight this dreadful pandemic.
Then again …
If you have not seen this video you must. And must share it.
You can't make this up. Joe Biden just removed his mask to cough in his hand. Talk about unsanitary! pic.twitter.com/4rwJvHA3LS — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) October 9, 2020
Yes. Joe Lockdown, Mr. Mask Mandate himself, pulled down his mask during a public speech, to cough into his hand. (Even before this, his mask was down below his nose.)
On the plus side, he’s now promising a $15 million minimum wage. Yup. Another Biden gaffe.
Don’t Believe the Hype, Part Two
Yesterday, we published a list of reasons why the polls showing Biden ahead might not be worth the digital bits they’re written with. Saturday saw another amazing sign of the enthusiasm for President Trump. 30,000 cars and trucks took part in an anti-communism rally in Miami thrown by Latinos for Trump.
Also, Twitchy reposted a wonderful thread comparing polling numbers in 2016 in swing states to today. The short of it? Biden is doing worse than Hillary did.
Then there’s the Kamala Factor. An undercurrent that could turn out to influence the election. Axios conducted a focus group in the swing state of Michigan after the debate. Their focus group expressed the belief that Joe Biden “won’t make it four years,” and Harris will be president before long. And the focus group did not like that idea.
“Biden’s not going to make it four years, so Kamala Harris is going to be president. And I have zero trust she can be president, so I’m just picking the lesser of two evils at this point,” one woman told Axios. And according to Axios, “Everyone else in the group agreed.”
Pollster Frank Luntz says the reaction echoes what he found at the VP Debate.
This reiterates what my focus group said following the #VPDebate. It may not be discussed much by pundits, but it is by people. https://t.co/PS9aK6Mjt3 — Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) October 11, 2020
Blexit and The Man Challenging Maxine Waters
President Trump welcomed a couple thousand Blexit members to the White House Saturday afternoon. Blexit is the organization formed by Candace Owens to help convince blacks to exit the Democrat party. It was Trump’s first event since beating back COVID, and he got an enthusiastic welcome from the predominantly black and brown crowd. The president even seemed to get emotional at the wave of affection.
Not surprisingly, CNN cut away from the speech the minute Trump started talking about how blacks and Latinos are leaving the Democrats.
Critics tried to slam Owens, accusing her of paying people to attend the gathering. No, Candace’s organization simply helped some folks with the cost of getting to and staying in DC. Good. Let them believe Trump’s support among Blacks and Latinos, particularly younger people, isn’t happening.
And it is happening, thanks to candidates like Kim Klasik and Joe Collins. Joe Collins is the Navy vet running against Maxine Waters in California’s 43rd district. Waters has ruled there for decades. As Collins points out, she just hasn’t lived there.
Collins has just released a devastating new ad, similar to Klasik’s viral “walk with me” ad. But Collins’ ad is even more powerful and gut-wrenching. And personal. I mean, if your house in South L.A. got shot up in a drive-by as a kid and the neighborhood is worse off than it was then, yeah, I can see why you’d be upset at ol’ Maxine and her $6 million crib.
Please watch and be wowed by this strong new face on the scene.
Do you know where I am?
Maxine Waters’ $6 Million Mansion. Do you know where I’m NOT?
Her District. Mansion Maxine Waters doesn’t live in her District — I do. My name is Joe Collins and I’m running for Congress against Maxine Waters. Help Me WIN: https://t.co/K4OcfhUR0E pic.twitter.com/GgnmvSWSq9 — Joe E. Collins III For Congress CA-43 (@joecollins43rd) October 10, 2020
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--2020-10-12--Do All Things Work Together for Good?

Do All Things Work Together for Good?

I have used Romans 8:28 almost exclusively alongside my name in the last sixty-five years whenever I sign a letter or a book .
I lean on it all the time .
If you knew how often I have messed up over the years — and still do more often than I wish — you would understand why I love this verse .
What a promise !
It means what it says , that everything that has happened in the past will work for good .
It does not say that good things work together for good .
Good things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for good .
They are already good !
The promise means that things less than good work together for good .
This verse mirrors a larger principle .
There are two polar opposite world views when it comes to the issue here : existentialism versus theodicy .
Existentialism is a hopeless philosophy that says there is no rhyme nor reason for our existence .
There is no purpose in what happens .
As for evil and wickedness , they just happen ; you will never know why .
Wrong !
There is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a purpose and meaning to life .
Our Creator God is a God of purpose .
God will one day clear His name and magnify the honor of His Son .
“ So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord , to the glory of God the Father ” ( Phil .
2:10–11 , ESV ) .
Paul does not say that everything that happens is good .
There is nothing good about a plane falling from the sky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tornado .
There is nothing good about an accident that leaves one injured or crippled .
There is nothing good about losing your sight or hearing .
There is nothing good about losing your job .
There is nothing good about COVID-19 .
There is nothing good about a wicked policeman putting his knee on a helpless Black man ’ s neck until he dies .
There is nothing good about violent protesting that results in damaging stores and taking away one ’ s job .
There is nothing good about being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your skin .
You may ask , “ What about my sins ?
Does Romans 8:28 cover my sins as well ?
” I answer : if Romans 8:28 does not cover my sins , it has little meaning for me at all .
My most painful regret is sins I have committed and the guilt that followed them .
So does Romans 8:28 cover my sins ?
YES .
“ All things ” work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ God knows where we have been .
He sympathizes with our foolishness , the offhanded comment , the friendship turned sour , the hasty decision that turned out to be so bad , our hurts and all that is in our shameful past .
I consider Romans 8:28 the family secret .
Why ?
For two reasons .
First , not all believe this !
Not all are expected to believe this .
Only those in the family of God believe this .
You may say , “ I don ’ t believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together for good.
” Paul answers : “ I never thought you would .
It was not meant for you ; it is for those in the family .
That is why he says , ‘ We know.
’ “ You may not , but we do.
’ ” Second , the promise is true only for those who love God , “ for those who have been called according to His purpose.
” Things certainly don ’ t work together for good for everybody .
Certainly not .
Those outside the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trouble , confusion , hopelessness .
Things don ’ t work together for good for the unsaved .
Caution : the fact that something works together for good in the end does not mean that it was right at the time .
The husband may say to his wife , “ See there , it shows I was right.
” It may not show that at all .
God made it work together for good , but this does not justify your wrongdoing !
For Those Who Love God Now Another caution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love ” God — present tense .
This promise does not apply to those who once loved God but no longer demonstrate love for Him .
As long as people live in a state of apathy , they need not expect to have everything working together for good .
But for those who repent of their waywardness and love God , it puts God to work for them !
After all , it is He who makes this happen .
Things don ’ t automatically work together for good .
Things work together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work together for good .
Every Christian can testify to the truth of this verse .
The “ good ” may not be discovered in a day , but in time , we see that God causes the past — whatever is in it — to turn out for good .
Romans 8:28 , then , is a verse that refers to the past .
God knows where we have been .
It is not a verse that gives someone carte blanche to live irresponsibly .
It refers to the past , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God ’ s way of saying , “ I don ’ t want you to feel guilty.
” It is God ’ s way of saying , “ As for the past , leave it with me ; watch what I do.
” Not Up to Us God doesn ’ t want you to help Him .
Don ’ t say , “ I must make sure that what I did works for good , therefore I must do this.
” If you try to make something work together for good , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God does not want your help ; He wants to get all the glory .
We are all on the brink of a new chapter in our lives .
What is ahead presents a more significant challenge than we have known .
God knows this .
He sympathizes and shows the way forward .
The same God who has guided us in the past will not forsake us .
And as for the past , God knows exactly where each of us has been .
The family secret is our free pass to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can know that the same God who ensures that all things work together for good is the God who promises to stay close by us as we go where we ’ ve never been .
He will not desert us .
Dr. R. T. Kendall was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London , England , for twenty-five years .
Born in Ashland , Kentucky , he was educated at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary ( MDiv ) and Oxford University ( DPhil ) .
Dr. Kendall is the author of a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holy Fire , and Word and Spirit .

I have used Romans 8:28 almost exclusively alongside my name in the last sixty-five years whenever I sign a letter or a book. I lean on it all the time. If you knew how often I have messed up over the years — and still do more often than I wish — you would understand why I love this verse.
What a promise! It means what it says, that everything that has happened in the past will work for good. It does not say that good things work together for good. Good things don’t need to work together for good. They are already good! The promise means that things less than good work together for good.
A Larger Principle
This verse mirrors a larger principle. There are two polar opposite world views when it comes to the issue here: existentialism versus theodicy. Existentialism is a hopeless philosophy that says there is no rhyme nor reason for our existence. There is no purpose in what happens. As for evil and wickedness, they just happen; you will never know why.
Wrong! There is also theodicy — the view that there is a purpose and meaning to life. Our Creator God is a God of purpose. God will one day clear His name and magnify the honor of His Son. “So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11, ESV).
Paul does not say that everything that happens is good. There is nothing good about a plane falling from the sky. There is nothing good about a hurricane or tornado. There is nothing good about an accident that leaves one injured or crippled. There is nothing good about losing your sight or hearing. There is nothing good about losing your job.
There is nothing good about COVID-19. There is nothing good about a wicked policeman putting his knee on a helpless Black man’s neck until he dies. There is nothing good about violent protesting that results in damaging stores and taking away one’s job. There is nothing good about being hated or rejected because of the color of your skin.
A Wonderful, Comforting Verse
You may ask, “What about my sins? Does Romans 8:28 cover my sins as well?” I answer: if Romans 8:28 does not cover my sins, it has little meaning for me at all. My most painful regret is sins I have committed and the guilt that followed them. So does Romans 8:28 cover my sins? YES. “All things” work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. What a wonderful, comforting verse!
God knows where we have been. He sympathizes with our foolishness, the offhanded comment, the friendship turned sour, the hasty decision that turned out to be so bad, our hurts and all that is in our shameful past.
Our Free Pass
I consider Romans 8:28 the family secret. Why? For two reasons. First, not all believe this! Not all are expected to believe this. Only those in the family of God believe this. You may say, “I don’t believe for one moment that all things work together for good.” Paul answers: “I never thought you would. It was not meant for you; it is for those in the family. That is why he says, “We know.” As in, “You may not, but we do.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Second, the promise is true only for those who love God, “for those who have been called according to His purpose.” Things certainly don’t work together for good for everybody. Certainly not. Those outside the family experience the opposite: chaos, unrest, trouble, confusion, hopelessness. Things don’t work together for good for the unsaved.
Caution: the fact that something works together for good in the end does not mean that it was right at the time. The husband may say to his wife, “See there, it shows I was right.” It may not show that at all. God made it work together for good, but this does not justify your wrongdoing!
For Those Who Love God Now
Another caution: it is for those who “love” God — present tense. This promise does not apply to those who once loved God but no longer demonstrate love for Him. As long as people live in a state of apathy, they need not expect to have everything working together for good.
But for those who repent of their waywardness and love God, it puts God to work for them! After all, it is He who makes this happen. Things don’t automatically work together for good. Things work together for good because God makes all things to work together for good.
Every Christian can testify to the truth of this verse. The “good” may not be discovered in a day, but in time, we see that God causes the past — whatever is in it — to turn out for good. Romans 8:28, then, is a verse that refers to the past. God knows where we have been. It is not a verse that gives someone carte blanche to live irresponsibly. It refers to the past, not the future. Romans 8:28 is God’s way of saying, “I don’t want you to feel guilty.” It is God’s way of saying, “As for the past, leave it with me; watch what I do.”
Not Up to Us
God doesn’t want you to help Him. Don’t say, “I must make sure that what I did works for good, therefore I must do this.” If you try to make something work together for good, it will get worse — every time. God does not want your help; He wants to get all the glory.
We are all on the brink of a new chapter in our lives. What is ahead presents a more significant challenge than we have known. God knows this. He sympathizes and shows the way forward. The same God who has guided us in the past will not forsake us.
And as for the past, God knows exactly where each of us has been. The family secret is our free pass to a guilt-free past. That said, we can know that the same God who ensures that all things work together for good is the God who promises to stay close by us as we go where we’ve never been.
He will not desert us.
Dr. R. T. Kendall was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, England, for twenty-five years. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, he was educated at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv) and Oxford University (DPhil). Dr. Kendall is the author of a number of books, including Total Forgiveness, Holy Fire, Word and Spirit, and his new book, We’ve Never Been This Way Before.
Originally published October 12, 2020


thestream--2020-10-12--Trump’s Character is Not the Issue. Why I Can’t Take the Character Charge Seriously

Special Note : these points came from a recent debate on re-electing President Trump .
The opening statement can be viewed here , and the full debate here .
Take note of the demeanor of those debating .
It speaks volumes .
The upcoming election is causing increased division among Christians .
It leaves many people confused when some Christians denounce Trump and elevate Biden .
Their reasoning goes something like this : “ How can you vote for Trump based on his character ?
” But the real question we should be asking is , “ What direction is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For now , I ’ ll address the character question .
Good “ Character ” But Thinks Its Okay to Kill a Child ?
Obviously , character is important .
But if a man has decent character according to some , yet believes in infanticide and in euthanizing the diasabled , do we look at his character over his policies ?
Of course not .
God doesn ’ t judge a nation based on the character of one man , but He may judge it based on the spiritual health of her people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( although ideally , they should match ) .
The President is hated , not because of his character , but because of what he stands for .
He is a disruptive force .
If the abortion industry , George Soros , most of the media , ANTIFA , and Hollywood are on your side , are you sure that you ’ re on the right side ?
I don ’ t want to hear about someone ’ s “ character ” when they think it ’ s okay to kill a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they reject the “ born-alive ” bill .
I ’ m not concerned with nice tweets when they promote real hate , support sexual perversion , and want to burn down our cities … and on and on it goes .
What about the last administration who thought it was fine to allow grown men to use restrooms with girls ?
This is why I can ’ t take the character charge against Trump seriously .
The media is targeting his character because it ’ s all they have .
And even there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faults .
Take the fake narrative that the president is a racist .
For example , when he said , “ I ’ m not talking about neo-Nazi and white nationalists ; they should be condemned totally , ” the media turned “ they should be condemned totally ” into “ they are very fine people.
” This repugnant Charlottesville Hoax is still being spread by Joe Biden , Kamala Harris and the media .
What about their character — what makes lying and slandering ok ?
The Bible calls this “ bearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Herschel Walker to Ben Carson to Kayne West to activists like Clarence Henderson and Bishop Harry Jackson all know that he is not a racist .
As a matter of historical fact , people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson never said he was a racist until he became the Republican nominee .
In fact , back in the day , Sharpton and Jackson hung out with and gladly honored Trump for his efforts for New York ’ s black community .
Joe Biden ?
He was friends with segregationists and supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black people “ super-predators ” and wanted to lock them up in the 1990s via the Crime Bill .
If you don ’ t vote for him , Biden says , “ You ain ’ t black.
” Ask him a tough question if you ’ re a black reporter , he ’ ll ask , “ Are you on crack ?
” Many of us have a lot of grace for President Trump and Joe Biden ( like we do for all people ) .
We have all made mistakes , posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said things we regret .
A Christian isn ’ t perfect ; he is someone who is forgiven and who tries to reflect God ’ s grace to others .
This election is not about character .
It ’ s about right and wrong , truth and error , light and darkness .
Consider this : If character is the primary reason to vote for or against a candidate , would the nay-sayers vote for Mike Pence if he was running for the presidency ?
You ’ d be amazed at how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a spiritual battle we are in , and those looking through the right lens — the biblical lens — can see that .
( Hear a sermon clip here about a horrible and astonishing thing being done in our land . )
Let the Facts Speak for Themselves Donald Trump is a hard-nosed businessman from New York .
We all knew this in 2016 .
We knew it for four decades .
He even had a hugely successful TV show based on his tough , gruff businessman persona .
Why are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s take a look at what he has done in the White House from a biblical perspective — this is the true way to gauge success .
1 ) From China to Russia , and from foreign to domestic terrorism , Trump is a terror to those who do evil .
Based on Romans 13:3 , he is not “ Pastor-in-chief , but “ Commander-in-chief.
” He is also fighting hard against socialism and globalism .
( For more on this , read my article , “ A Biblical View on Borders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 2 ) While Biden remains silent , Trump is taking a strong stance against human trafficking and perversion .
By the way , did you know that stricter border control has dropped human trafficking by 96 % in those areas ?
Open borders would be like me telling my kids to leave their windows open in case a stranger wants to come in for a warm night ’ s sleep .
3 ) Trump is earnestly seeking Godly counsel and listens to them carefully .
God ’ s wisdom is being sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the only President I have met who really wants to know what the Bible says.
” James Dobson , who initially opposed Donald Trump , changed his mind after spending some time with him and seeing how Mr. Trump ’ s kids loved their father .
Dobson said , “ That spoke volumes ; you can ’ t make your kids love you.
” Dobson also commented that Trump is “ the most pro-life president that we have ever had.
” Very tellingly , many former foes who have gotten to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues with his character as those who don ’ t know him .
4 ) Trump supports prayer in schools and in the White House , as well as Bible studies .
He understands that “ Separation of Church ” is a myth ; you can ’ t separate God from government .
That is profound .
5 ) Trump is protecting the unborn from those who applaud killing them .
He is also helping minorities in many ways , including positive prison reform by allowing God to be allowed in our prisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid Supreme Court Judges , and he respects our military and law enforcement officers .
He sees the beauty in America ’ s sovereignty , not in globalism or socialism , both of which will ruin our nation for our kids and all the generations to follow them .
7 ) Trump supports religious liberty .
Are you aware that Trump got behind pastors like me , Jack Hibbs , and others when we opened our churches on May 31st after the COVID regulations shut them down ?
I hope you caught that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong warning against interfering with churches .
That ’ s the only reason the governor complied .
On the other hand , Joe Biden touts being a practicing Catholic .
Yet , he seems perfectly happy seeing Catholic churches , Protestant churches and synagogues closed .
Meanwhile , his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris proven her lack of religious tolerance when she condemned a judicial candidate simply for being a member of the Knights of Columbus .
What faith based organizations would she target with the full force of the United States Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the voice of truth calling the nation to repentance will be silenced , and that ’ s exactly what the anti-faith socialists and secularists want .
At some point , we need to realize that not everything is a conspiracy theory — some things are true .
I conclude with a powerful analogy : The head of a neighborhood watch program , who took the late-night watches , had previously had an affair years ago , but he watched over the neighborhood diligently each night .
Each week he invited church leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to seek their advice .
He often stood against others on the committee who wanted to enact policies harmful to the neighborhood .
He was occasionally gruff and impulsive , and sometimes his words were crass and offensive .
But wouldn ’ t you still want him leading your neighborhood watch program ?
When it ’ s all said and done , we need an answer to the question that I opened with : If the abortion industry , George Soros , most of the media , ANTIFA , and Hollywood are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you ’ re on the right side ?
I don ’ t know about you , but I am voting for the side who is not burning down our country .
Special Note : With this being the most important election in our lifetime , we made my book , One Nation Above God , available as a free download here .
This is a great resource to share with family and friends who are on the fence , and for those questioning America ’ s past .
Shane Idleman is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network .
His program , Regaining Lost Ground , points us back to God and reminds us that although times change , truth does not .
His books , blogs , and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com .

Special Note: these points came from a recent debate on re-electing President Trump. The opening statement can be viewed here, and the full debate here. Take note of the demeanor of those debating. It speaks volumes.
The upcoming election is causing increased division among Christians. It leaves many people confused when some Christians denounce Trump and elevate Biden. Their reasoning goes something like this: “How can you vote for Trump based on his character?” But the real question we should be asking is, “What direction is the country heading spiritually speaking?”
For now, I’ll address the character question.
Good “Character” But Thinks Its Okay to Kill a Child?
Obviously, character is important. But if a man has decent character according to some, yet believes in infanticide and in euthanizing the disabled, do we look at his character over his policies? Of course not. God doesn’t judge a nation based on the character of one man, but He may judge it based on the spiritual health of her people. Policy often speaks louder than character (although ideally, they should match).
The President is hated, not because of his character, but because of what he stands for. He is a disruptive force. If the abortion industry, George Soros, most of the media, ANTIFA, and Hollywood are on your side, are you sure that you’re on the right side?
I don’t want to hear about someone’s “character” when they think it’s okay to kill a child, even at nine months, and they reject the “born-alive” bill. I’m not concerned with nice tweets when they promote real hate, support sexual perversion, and want to burn down our cities … and on and on it goes. What about the last administration who thought it was fine to allow grown men to use restrooms with girls? This is why I can’t take the character charge against Trump seriously.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The media is targeting his character because it’s all they have. And even there, they have to resort to manufacturing faults.
Take the fake narrative that the president is a racist. For example, when he said, “I’m not talking about neo-Nazi and white nationalists; they should be condemned totally,” the media turned “they should be condemned totally” into “they are very fine people.” This repugnant Charlottesville Hoax is still being spread by Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the media. What about their character — what makes lying and slandering ok? The Bible calls this “bearing false witness.”
Many prominent African-Americans, from Herschel Walker to Ben Carson to Kayne West to activists like Clarence Henderson and Bishop Harry Jackson all know that he is not a racist. As a matter of historical fact, people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson never said he was a racist until he became the Republican nominee. In fact, back in the day, Sharpton and Jackson hung out with and gladly honored Trump for his efforts for New York’s black community.
Joe Biden? He was friends with segregationists and supported the busing of blacks. He called black people “super-predators” and wanted to lock them up in the 1990s via the Crime Bill. If you don’t vote for him, Biden says, “You ain’t black.” Ask him a tough question if you’re a black reporter, he’ll ask, “Are you on crack?”
With the wrong person in office, the voice of truth calling the nation to repentance will be silenced, and that’s exactly what the anti-faith socialists and secularists want.
Many of us have a lot of grace for President Trump and Joe Biden (like we do for all people). We have all made mistakes, posted things we shouldn’t have, and said things we regret. A Christian isn’t perfect; he is someone who is forgiven and who tries to reflect God’s grace to others.
This election is not about character. It’s about right and wrong, truth and error, light and darkness. Consider this: If character is the primary reason to vote for or against a candidate, would the nay-sayers vote for Mike Pence if he was running for the presidency? You’d be amazed at how many would still say “no.”
This is a spiritual battle we are in, and those looking through the right lens — the biblical lens — can see that. (Hear a sermon clip here about a horrible and astonishing thing being done in our land.)
Let the Facts Speak for Themselves
Donald Trump is a hard-nosed businessman from New York. We all knew this in 2016. We knew it for four decades. He even had a hugely successful TV show based on his tough, gruff businessman persona. Why are many surprised now?
But let’s take a look at what he has done in the White House from a biblical perspective — this is the true way to gauge success.
1) From China to Russia, and from foreign to domestic terrorism, Trump is a terror to those who do evil. Based on Romans 13:3, he is not “Pastor-in-chief, but “Commander-in-chief.” He is also fighting hard against socialism and globalism. (For more on this, read my article, “A Biblical View on Borders, Socialism, and Healthcare, here.)
2) While Biden remains silent, Trump is taking a strong stance against human trafficking and perversion. By the way, did you know that stricter border control has dropped human trafficking by 96% in those areas? Open borders would be like me telling my kids to leave their windows open in case a stranger wants to come in for a warm night’s sleep.
3) Trump is earnestly seeking Godly counsel and listens to them carefully. God’s wisdom is being sought. One pastor said, “He is the only President I have met who really wants to know what the Bible says.” James Dobson, who initially opposed Donald Trump, changed his mind after spending some time with him and seeing how Mr. Trump’s kids loved their father. Dobson said, “That spoke volumes; you can’t make your kids love you.” Dobson also commented that Trump is “the most pro-life president that we have ever had.” Very tellingly, many former foes who have gotten to know Trump don’t have the same issues with his character as those who don’t know him.
4) Trump supports prayer in schools and in the White House, as well as Bible studies. He understands that “Separation of Church” is a myth; you can’t separate God from government. That is profound.
5) Trump is protecting the unborn from those who applaud killing them. He is also helping minorities in many ways, including positive prison reform by allowing God to be allowed in our prisons again.
6) Trump has appointed solid Supreme Court Judges, and he respects our military and law enforcement officers. He sees the beauty in America’s sovereignty, not in globalism or socialism, both of which will ruin our nation for our kids and all the generations to follow them.
7) Trump supports religious liberty. Are you aware that Trump got behind pastors like me, Jack Hibbs, and others when we opened our churches on May 31st after the COVID regulations shut them down?
I hope you caught that: The DOJ sent the governor a strong warning against interfering with churches. That’s the only reason the governor complied.
On the other hand, Joe Biden touts being a practicing Catholic. Yet, he seems perfectly happy seeing Catholic churches, Protestant churches and synagogues closed. Meanwhile, his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris proven her lack of religious tolerance when she condemned a judicial candidate simply for being a member of the Knights of Columbus. What faith based organizations would she target with the full force of the United States Government?
With the wrong person in office, the voice of truth calling the nation to repentance will be silenced, and that’s exactly what the anti-faith socialists and secularists want. At some point, we need to realize that not everything is a conspiracy theory — some things are true.
The Watchman
I conclude with a powerful analogy: The head of a neighborhood watch program, who took the late-night watches, had previously had an affair years ago, but he watched over the neighborhood diligently each night. Each week he invited church leaders into his home to pray for him and to seek their advice. He often stood against others on the committee who wanted to enact policies harmful to the neighborhood. He was occasionally gruff and impulsive, and sometimes his words were crass and offensive. But wouldn’t you still want him leading your neighborhood watch program?
When it’s all said and done, we need an answer to the question that I opened with: If the abortion industry, George Soros, most of the media, ANTIFA, and Hollywood are on your side, are you sure that you’re on the right side?
I don’t know about you, but I am voting for the side who is not burning down our country.
Special Note: With this being the most important election in our lifetime, we made my book, One Nation Above God, available as a free download here. This is a great resource to share with family and friends who are on the fence, and for those questioning America’s past.
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.


thestream--2020-10-12--Military Photo of the Day: Remembering Those Lost on the USS Cole 20 Years Later

Sailors assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Cole bear a ceremonial wreath as they circle the USS Cole memorial @ @ @ @ @ October 12 , 2005 .
Twenty years ago today , al Qaeda terrorists killed 17 @ @ @ @ @ 39 others in Aden , Yemen .
The bombing of the USS Cole shocked much @ @ @ @ @ a tragic precursor to the 9/11 attacks that would come less than a year later @ @ @ @ @ , we honor and remember these 17 American heroes and pray for their families .
@ @ @ @ @ shortly after the bombing , “ To those who attacked them we say , you @ @ @ @ @ harbor .
We will find you and justice will prevail .
America will not stop @ @ @ @ @ freedom or stability in the Middle East and around the world .
”

Sailors assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Cole bear a ceremonial wreath as they circle the USS Cole memorial on Naval Station Norfolk on October 12, 2005.
Twenty years ago today, al Qaeda terrorists killed 17 U.S. Navy sailors and injured 39 others in Aden, Yemen. The bombing of the USS Cole shocked much of the nation and was a tragic precursor to the 9/11 attacks that would come less than a year later.
On this solemn anniversary, we honor and remember these 17 American heroes and pray for their families. As President Bill Clinton said shortly after the bombing, “To those who attacked them we say, you will not find a safe harbor. We will find you and justice will prevail. America will not stop standing guard for peace or freedom or stability in the Middle East and around the world.”
Chief Petty Officer Richard Costelow, Morrisville, Pennsylvania
Signalman Seaman Recruit Cheron Luis Gunn, Rex, Georgia
Seaman James Rodrick McDaniels, Norfolk, Virginia
Seaman Recruit Lakiba Nicole Palmer, San Diego, California
Operations Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Lamont Saunders, Ringgold, Virginia
Ensign Andrew Triplett, Macon, Mississippi
Seaman Apprentice Craig Bryan Wibberley, Williamsport, Maryland
Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class, Kenneth Eugene Clodfelter, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Mess Management Specialist Seaman Lakeina Monique Francis, Woodleaf, North Carolina
Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Lee Gauna, Rice, Texas
Engineman 2nd Class Mark Ian Nieto, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Electronics Warfare Technician 3rd Class Ronald Scott Owens, Vero Beach, Florida
Engineman Fireman Joshua Langdon Parlett, Churchville, Maryland
Fireman Apprentice Patrick Howard Roy, Cornwall on Hudson, New York
Electronics Warfare Technician 2nd Class Kevin Shawn Rux, Portland, North Dakota
Mess Management Specialist 3rd Class Ronchester Mananga Santiago, Kingsville, Texas
Fireman Gary Graham Swenchonis Jr., Rockport, Texas
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-10-13--#Election2020: Joe Biden is Proud to be Running for Senate. (Yup. He Said It)

Just three short weeks until Election Day , when Americans will have to choose between peace and prosperity or riots and revolution .
Monday has offered another telling day on the campaign trail .
We talk a lot about this being a choice election between two paths for America : One leading to advancement and opportunity , the other leading to California and Venezuela .
What ’ s good for America and what ’ s good for the globalists .
But once again today we were reminded this is also a race between two candidates for President .
And today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought he was running for the Senate .
I ’ m talking , of course , about Joe Biden .
At a rally today in Ohio , Biden ’ s mind slipped back in time 20…or 30…or 40 years .
Holy Toledo !
But this is not the first time , Biden has lost track of what office he ’ s running for .
Amazingly , as you heard , he just got done talking about Obama and Clinton winning presidential elections .
But still described himself as a “ candidate for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to blank out on Mitt Romney ’ s name .
It ’ s one thing for Republicans to want to forget Romney , but the top Democrat ?
One can chuckle a bit at these lapses .
But it ’ s no laughing matter .
If he wins , Joe Biden will be Commander-in-Chief and Leader of the Free World .
It would be irresponsible and potentially catastrophic to put in the Oval Office a man with a diminishing awareness of time and place .
Further , those who continue prop up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly trusted with the power his mental abdication would put in their hands .
We must vote accordingly .
Meanwhile , Biden ’ s running mate Kamala Harris telephoned in her opening remarks at the confirmation hearing of Amy Coney Barrett .
In the figurative sense as well .
Harris participated via video , but flatly read from a script .
It sounded as if someone was yelling in her ear , “ Remember .
Don ’ t sound nasty !
” Mostly , Harris made the silly argument that the hearings shouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID .
As if the Senate hasn ’ t been operating for months .
She also tried this bizarre argument that the Senate should be working to bring more COVID relief rather than having the hearings .
As if the whole Senate was consumed , rather than just the Judicial Committee .
As if the Senate hasn ’ t been working on COVID relief .
As if this were just some routine appointment , rather than a Supreme Court Justice .
Speaking of Kamala , in last week ’ s debate Harris movingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sunday night in Oregon , protesters tore down a statue of Lincoln during a “ Day of Rage.
” Not a peep on it from Kamala Harris .
She ’ s perfectly happy to invoke Lincoln .
She wants nothing to do with defending Lincoln from her leftist mobs .
Interestingly , CNN — a 24-hour news channel , supposedly — did not cover much of Barrett ’ s first day live .
Live events used to be CNN ’ s bread and butter .
Now all they feast on is their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding his first post-COVID rally away from the White House this evening in Orlando .
Dr. Fauci , global loyalist that he is , tells CNN what a horrible idea Trump rallies are , as infection rates are rising across the country .
( Ignoring the fact that so is testing , which of course , increases the number of positive cases . )
Says Fauci , “ Now is even a worse time to do that.
” Sorry .
If tens of thousands can party and riot in Los Angeles to celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , patriots can rally in the fight to preserve our country .
Besides , Dr. Fauci , even the World Health Organization is reversing course and saying further lockdowns are a bad idea .
This is also in keeping with the Great Barrington Declaration , which vigorously argues that lockdowns are harmful in fighting COVID and opening up with “ Focused Protection , ” creating herd immunity is our best path forward .
Fox News ’ Jim Varney notes these developments have implications for the presidential race .
After all , “ Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is leading us toward lockdowns.
” Said Varney : It ’ s ironic , isn ’ t it , that the World Health Organization is warning that lockdowns devastate the poor .
At precisely the same time that Democrats , who supposedly represent the poor , continue to urge lockdowns .
Trump had no trouble tooting his own horn .
Incidentally , White House Physician Sean Conley announced this afternoon that President Trump “ has tested NEGATIVE ( emphasis his ) on consecutive days using COVID-19 antigen tests.
” Trump , says Conley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In related news , The New York Times said Trump wanted to leave Walter Reed looking frail , then rip off his shirt to reveal a Superman t-shirt .
One man who has actually played the Man of Steel — Dean Cain — was all for the idea .
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 @ @ @ @ @

Just three short weeks until Election Day, when Americans will have to choose between peace and prosperity or riots and revolution.
Monday has offered another telling day on the campaign trail.
We talk a lot about this being a choice election between two paths for America: One leading to advancement and opportunity, the other leading to California and Venezuela. What’s good for America and what’s good for the globalists.
But once again today we were reminded this is also a race between two candidates for President.
And today — again — one of those candidates thought he was running for the Senate.
I’m talking, of course, about Joe Biden. At a rally today in Ohio, Biden’s mind slipped back in time 20…or 30…or 40 years.
Holy Toledo! But this is not the first time, Biden has lost track of what office he’s running for.
Amazingly, as you heard, he just got done talking about Obama and Clinton winning presidential elections. But still described himself as a “candidate for the U.S. Senate.”
Biden on Monday also appeared to blank out on Mitt Romney’s name. It’s one thing for Republicans to want to forget Romney, but the top Democrat?
Awkward. Joe Biden seemed to forget Romney’s name today: “I got in trouble when we were running against that senator who was a Mormon, the governor..” pic.twitter.com/DdPCCWQXxe — TV News HQ (@TVNewsHQ) October 12, 2020
One can chuckle a bit at these lapses. But it’s no laughing matter. If he wins, Joe Biden will be Commander-in-Chief and Leader of the Free World. It would be irresponsible and potentially catastrophic to put in the Oval Office a man with a diminishing awareness of time and place.
Further, those who continue prop up someone clearly unfit to lead cannot possibly be trusted with the power his mental abdication would put in their hands. We must vote accordingly.
Amy Comey Barrett
Meanwhile, Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris telephoned in her opening remarks at the confirmation hearing of Amy Coney Barrett. In the figurative sense as well. Harris participated via video, but flatly read from a script. It sounded as if someone was yelling in her ear, “Remember. Don’t sound nasty!”
Mostly, Harris made the silly argument that the hearings shouldn’t be going on because of COVID. As if the Senate hasn’t been operating for months.
She also tried this bizarre argument that the Senate should be working to bring more COVID relief rather than having the hearings. As if the whole Senate was consumed, rather than just the Judicial Committee. As if the Senate hasn’t been working on COVID relief. As if this were just some routine appointment, rather than a Supreme Court Justice.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Speaking of Kamala, in last week’s debate, Harris movingly — and falsely — cited Abraham Lincoln. Sunday night in Oregon, protesters tore down a statue of Lincoln during a “Day of Rage.” Not a peep on it from Kamala Harris. She’s perfectly happy to invoke Lincoln. She wants nothing to do with defending Lincoln from her leftist mobs.
Interestingly, CNN — a 24-hour news channel, supposedly — did not cover much of Barrett’s first day live. Live events used to be CNN’s bread and butter. Now all they feast on is their hatred of Trump.
President Trump First Post-COVID Rally
President Trump is holding his first post-COVID rally away from the White House this evening in Orlando.
Dr. Fauci, global loyalist that he is, tells CNN what a horrible idea Trump rallies are, as infection rates are rising across the country. (Ignoring the fact that so is testing, which of course, increases the number of positive cases.) Says Fauci, “Now is even a worse time to do that.”
Sorry. If tens of thousands can party and riot in Los Angeles to celebrate the Lakers winning yet another basketball title, patriots can rally in the fight to preserve our country.
Besides, Dr. Fauci, even the World Health Organization is reversing course and saying further lockdowns are a bad idea. This is also in keeping with the Great Barrington Declaration, which vigorously argues that lockdowns are harmful in fighting COVID and opening up with “Focused Protection,” creating herd immunity is our best path forward.
Fox News’ Jim Varney notes these developments have implications for the presidential race. After all, “Trump is leading us from lockdowns. Biden is leading us toward lockdowns.”
Said Varney: It’s ironic, isn’t it, that the World Health Organization is warning that lockdowns devastate the poor. At precisely the same time that Democrats, who supposedly represent the poor, continue to urge lockdowns.
Trump had no trouble tooting his own horn.
The World Health Organization just admitted that I was right. Lockdowns are killing countries all over the world. The cure cannot be worse than the problem itself. Open up your states, Democrat governors. Open up New York. A long battle, but they finally did the right thing! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2020
Incidentally, White House Physician Sean Conley announced this afternoon that President Trump “has tested NEGATIVE (emphasis his) on consecutive days using COVID-19 antigen tests.” Trump, says Conley, “is not infectious to others.”
In related news, The New York Times said Trump wanted to leave Walter Reed looking frail, then rip off his shirt to reveal a Superman t-shirt.
One man who has actually played the Man of Steel — Dean Cain — was all for the idea.
It would have been unforgettable. https://t.co/bRFQpJCkf8 — Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) October 10, 2020
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--2020-10-12--No 1492, No 1776 — That’s Why the Left Hates Columbus

Without October 12th , we wouldn ’ t have July 4th .
No Columbus , no “ all men are created equal.
” And no Constitution , no ordered freedom , no freedom of religion and speech .
That ’ s the bottom line .
For all Columbus ’ alleged faults ( some of them real , some of them not ) , our civilization on this continent begins with his discovery of America .
There is a direct line from it to all that we love about the United States of America .
And there is a direct line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 20th century to anti-Columbus sentiment today .
The “ woke ” who want to remove Columbus from our common life don ’ t just reject one man .
That one man stands for a whole civilization they hate .
He stands for America .
Our ancestors did some pretty bad things .
That ’ s true .
The “ woke ” think that means our nation has been corrupt from its earliest beginnings .
Many Christians believe this , because they swallowed Cultural Marxism without even knowing it .
What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heritage they attack ?
Do they think we will live in some racism-free paradise after American history is erased ?
Won ’ t happen .
What will happen , instead , is what is hinted at in the quote on the front page of my newspaper this morning .
The Columbus statue in front of City Hall was decapitated on the 4th of July .
The head has been repaired and returned to the city .
Voters will decide whether to put the statue up again .
The article in the Waterbury Republican-American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it plain as day that it will be vandalized again and that she is ok with that .
“ I don ’ t expect the statue to remain untouched , ” said Athena Wagner .
“ I don ’ t care what they do .
If they leave it there , be prepared.
” Even if the people who live in the city want the statue up , the “ community activists ” will make sure it comes down .
People who have such contempt for our history have equal contempt for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , that is .
America ’ s greatest contribution to world history is the rule of law .
Our nation built on the best that came before us to create a system of ordered freedom .
An unprecedented system that both extended personal liberty farther than any government before it and secured public order without repression .
Even the lapses in that good cause — and they are many — prove the goodness of the principles .
They are so good that we continually struggle to attain them .
How else could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America that our founding documents are a promissory note that has come due — and get results ?
Why did white America listen to him ?
Because we believe , as King said , that the American founding promised that “ all men , yes , black men as well as white men , would be guaranteed the ‘ unalienable Rights ’ of ‘ Life , Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness ’ .
” No , it ’ s still not perfect .
It ’ s never going to be perfect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be .
No Christian familiar with the Fall and Original Sin will be shocked by that .
But America strives more than other places to make itself more perfect .
To become “ A more perfect union , ” as the Preamble to our Constitution has it .
It All Begins with Columbus That ’ s what you ’ re giving up when you turn on Columbus .
You ’ re not just criticizing one very imperfect man .
You kick out the foundations from under our own civilization .
That Columbus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that he did not land on the soil of what would one day be the USA , that he thought he was in India , is totally beside the point .
That he was not as good a man as he should have been is also beside the point .
All the good that the Founders sought to build , that Lincoln and Martin Luther King sought to redeem , begins on this continent with him .
What he began with his courageous exploration grew into America .
It grew into that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mad dogs of Naziism and Communism .
The nation that so believed in freedom that it spent its own men and treasure to secure freedom for peoples of every continent .
The nation that found totalitarianism so offensive it fought it at every turn .
That same defeated foe , fascism , now strikes back at Columbus and through him at America .
It calls itself “ progressive , ” but it ’ s not .
It exploits American freedoms to teach the toxic resentments of Cultural Marxism .
That is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front page of my paper today promises .
That is what “ woke ” Christians pave the way for , when they embrace the anti-American narrative of the Left .
Don ’ t be blind to the ugliness of our own history .
But don ’ t be blind to the greater ugliness of the anti-Columbus protests .
Because it ’ s an attack on our history — and the best parts of our history .
The parts of our history that changed the world for the better .
Vandalizing the Columbus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It ’ s a radical act .
It ’ s a revolutionary statement .
If you think I ’ m overreacting because it ’ s only a statue , you don ’ t know history .
It starts with the destruction of national symbols .
It begins with the beheading of statues .
It doesn ’ t end there .

Without October 12th, we wouldn’t have July 4th. No Columbus, no “all men are created equal.” And no Constitution, no ordered freedom, no freedom of religion and speech.
That’s the bottom line. For all Columbus’ alleged faults (some of them real, some of them not), our civilization on this continent begins with his discovery of America. There is a direct line from it to all that we love about the United States of America.
And there is a direct line from all the horrors that America defeated in the 20th century to anti-Columbus sentiment today. The “woke” who want to remove Columbus from our common life don’t just reject one man. That one man stands for a whole civilization they hate. He stands for America.
America After Cultural Marxism
Our ancestors did some pretty bad things. That’s true. The “woke” think that means our nation has been corrupt from its earliest beginnings. Many Christians believe this, because they swallowed Cultural Marxism without even knowing it.
What do they think is the alternative to the heritage they attack? Do they think we will live in some racism-free paradise after American history is erased?
Won’t happen. What will happen, instead, is what is hinted at in the quote on the front page of my newspaper this morning. The Columbus statue in front of City Hall was decapitated on the 4th of July. The head has been repaired and returned to the city. Voters will decide whether to put the statue up again.
The article in the Waterbury Republican-American quotes a “community activist” who makes it plain as day that it will be vandalized again and that she is ok with that. “I don’t expect the statue to remain untouched,” said Athena Wagner. “I don’t care what they do. If they leave it there, be prepared.”
Even if the people who live in the city want the statue up, the “community activists” will make sure it comes down. People who have such contempt for our history have equal contempt for democracy. When the votes go against them, that is.
America’s Best
America’s greatest contribution to world history is the rule of law. Our nation built on the best that came before us to create a system of ordered freedom. An unprecedented system that both extended personal liberty farther than any government before it and secured public order without repression.
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Even the lapses in that good cause — and they are many — prove the goodness of the principles. They are so good that we continually struggle to attain them. How else could Martin Luther King, Jr., tell America that our founding documents are a promissory note that has come due — and get results?
Why did white America listen to him? Because we believe, as King said, that the American founding promised that “all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the ‘unalienable Rights’ of ‘Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness’.”
No, it’s still not perfect. It’s never going to be perfect. America will never be all she promises to be. No Christian familiar with the Fall and Original Sin will be shocked by that. But America strives more than other places to make itself more perfect. To become “a more perfect union,” as the Preamble to our Constitution has it.
It All Begins with Columbus
That’s what you’re giving up when you turn on Columbus. You’re not just criticizing one very imperfect man. You kick out the foundations from under our own civilization.
That Columbus was not the first to arrive here, that he did not land on the soil of what would one day be the USA, that he thought he was in India, is totally beside the point. That he was not as good a man as he should have been is also beside the point.
All the good that the Founders sought to build, that Lincoln and Martin Luther King sought to redeem, begins on this continent with him. What he began with his courageous exploration grew into America.
It grew into that great beacon of freedom that put down the mad dogs of Nazism and Communism. The nation that so believed in freedom that it spent its own men and treasure to secure freedom for peoples of every continent. The nation that found totalitarianism so offensive it fought it at every turn.
Fascism the Foe
That same defeated foe, fascism, now strikes back at Columbus and through him at America. It calls itself “progressive,” but it’s not. It exploits American freedoms to teach the toxic resentments of Cultural Marxism.
That is what the “community activist” quoted on the front page of my paper today promises. That is what “woke” Christians pave the way for, when they embrace the anti-American narrative of the Left.
Don’t be blind to the ugliness of our own history. But don’t be blind to the greater ugliness of the anti-Columbus protests. Because it’s an attack on our history — and the best parts of our history. The parts of our history that changed the world for the better.
Vandalizing the Columbus statue is no “mostly peaceful protest.” It’s a radical act. It’s a revolutionary statement. If you think I’m overreacting because it’s only a statue, you don’t know history.
It starts with the destruction of national symbols. It begins with the beheading of statues. It doesn’t end there.
Peter Wolfgang is president of Family Institute of Connecticut Action. He lives in Waterbury, Connecticut, with his wife and their seven children. The views expressed on The Stream are solely his own.


thestream--2020-10-12--4 Women Who Clerked or Studied Under Her Share How They View Amy Coney Barrett

Amanda Rauh-Bieri , just out of law school , knew exactly who she wanted to clerk for .
It wasn ’ t a lawyer or judge she had been following for years , or even months .
Instead , it was Amy Coney Barrett , who was about to be seated as a new judge on the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit .
“ The first time I heard of Judge Barrett was after her [ Senate ] confirmation hearing , when the video of some of her exchanges with the senators went viral , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit from 2017-2018 .
“ I remember seeing that exchange and just being incredibly blown away , ” Rauh-Bieri said of Barrett ’ s September 2017 confirmation hearings .
One such moment was when Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , questioned the mother of seven about the influence of her Catholic faith .
“ The dogma lives loudly within you , and that ’ s of concern , ” Feinstein said to Barrett .
Barrett responded : “ It ’ s never appropriate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s personal convictions , whether they arise from faith or anywhere else , on the law.
” Barrett , now 48 , was a law clerk in 1998-1999 for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia , who died in 2016 .
Barrett received her law degree in 1997 , summa cum laude , from the University of Notre Dame in 1997 .
She has taught law at Notre Dame since 2002 , including after becoming a judge .
Rauh-Bieri , 31 , currently an associate at the law firm of Miller , Canfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Michigan , said she was drawn to Barrett and knew she wanted to be one of the new judge ’ s law clerks .
“ [ I was ] so impressed by the way that she handled that tough interaction , ” Rauh-Bieri said .
“ She demonstrated this incredible grace and poise in the face of some pretty intense questioning .
And I remember thinking at that moment that she was exactly the kind of judge that I wanted to clerk for .
And I was very fortunate that the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote of 55-43 , Barrett joined the 7th Circuit on Nov. 2 , 2017 .
President Donald Trump announced Sept. 26 that he would nominate Barrett to fill the Supreme Court seat vacated by the Sept. 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Laura Wolk , 33 , a former Notre Dame student of Barrett ’ s , told The Daily Signal that Barrett was , in some ways , a lifesaver for her .
Wolk is blind .
“ When I went to Notre Dame , I had asked the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistive technology that I had purchased for myself , just in case … something were to go wrong , ” Wolk told The Daily Signal in an interview .
“ Unfortunately , though they had worked on that process , the technology from the school was not there .
And so I came to Notre Dame , the technology was not purchased , and almost immediately my own personal computer started to fail .
So it was … the exact emergency scenario that I had planned for.
” Accommodations for blind students across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in 2013 , Wolk said .
Unlike classmates who could see , Wolk said , she couldn ’ t just borrow a computer or go to a library .
Even if she could , the computer wouldn ’ t have the right software on it for a visually-impaired person .
“ And so I was immediately put into a position where I couldn ’ t read my textbooks , ” Wolk said .
“ I couldn ’ t take notes .
I was really struggling to keep up in class , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to learn how to do law school , it was a really terrifying experience.
” She said that Barrett went to bat for her in ways she had never experienced before : Barrett ’ s husband , Jesse Barrett , a former assistant U.S. attorney , also graduated from Notre Dame .
He was editor in chief of the Notre Dame Law Review , she was executive editor .
Barrett ’ s students named her “ Distinguished Professor of the Year ” during three different years , The Indy Star reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind , ” Wolk recalled .
“ She just allowed me to talk and to say my piece and to get out all of my emotions .
And at the end of it , as I wrote in my piece describing this interaction , she just very quietly , but completely matter of fact , told me , ‘ This is not your problem anymore .
It ’ s my problem.
’ ” Wolk said that Barrett “ made it clear to me that … there are times in life when the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to completely take something on and take it onto yourself and take it off of their plate.
” Wolk said Barrett exhibited the same care and concern during her last semester of law school , when she had a small health scare related to her blindness resulting from treatment she underwent as a child : Wolk , who lives in Washington , D.C. , will return to private practice in that area after recently wrapping up a clerkship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas .
Lexi Baltes , 28 , clerked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a first-year student in Barrett ’ s class on constitutional law at Notre Dame , said she wouldn ’ t describe her former professor as easy .
“ She was a tough professor , ” Baltes said .
“ Beloved , but tough .
And also revered , universally respected , and admired by Notre Dame law students.
” Baltes , an associate at the law firm of Consovoy McCarthy PLLC in Arlington , Virginia , said Barrett welcomed every perspective in her classroom .
“ She always encouraged open dialogue in class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push back on those viewpoints no matter what they were , to help us as students try to reach the most refined and principled answer , whatever that might be , ” Baltes said .
Barrett has the same approach in the courtroom , Baltes said : Mariel Brookins , 32 , who clerked for Barrett in her first year on the 7th Circuit in 2017-2018 , agrees .
“ I think we know a lot of the hot topic cases .
One in particular … it was hard to kind of figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it wasn ’ t one that seemed obvious to us , ” Brookins , who lives in Arlington with her husband , recalled in an interview with The Daily Signal , adding : And so she came into my office one day and was like , ‘ Mariel , I ’ m thinking about it in this direction.
’ And I said , ‘ Oh , well , I ’ m thinking about it in the totally other direction.
’ And we spend an hour just going back and forth over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of left it at that and went back [ to ] our day ’ s work .
The next day she knocked on my door , stopped by my office again , and she said , ‘ I think I ’ m kind of coming around to your side.
’ And I said , ‘ I think I ’ m coming around to your side.
’ And I think that what that really shows is that she values the opinion of those around her .
And she ’ s not coming to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases should come out .
Aside from the practical legal experience they received under Barrett , these admirers also came away with moments that they say illustrate Barrett ’ s character .
“ One really fond memory of mine : The very first day that I went into chambers , I walked in the door and she was standing there holding a roll of paper towels and some Windex and just wiping down all of the wood from space that had been vacant for 20 years , ” Brookins said .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who would just get into the work that needed to be done , regardless of what the work was.
” Baltes and her fellow law clerks had court in Chicago ; Barrett had gone up earlier , but didn ’ t have a ride back .
“ It was my co-clerk ’ s car , and happened to be an old minivan , ” Baltes said .
“ And Judge needed a ride back , and she insisted on riding in the back seat , which I felt very uncomfortable about .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has such a gracious attitude in every aspect of her life , whether it ’ s riding in a car with her clerks or sitting on the bench listening to a case.
” Rauh-Bieri said she recalls one time when Barrett had to bring her youngest children into work , and how it illustrated the judge ’ s dedication and ability to keep her commitments : Rachel del Guidice ( @ LRacheldG ) is a reporter for The Daily Signal .
She is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville , Forge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Young Leaders Program .

Amanda Rauh-Bieri, just out of law school, knew exactly who she wanted to clerk for.
It wasn’t a lawyer or judge she had been following for years, or even months.
Instead, it was Amy Coney Barrett, who was about to be seated as a new judge on the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
“The first time I heard of Judge Barrett was after her [Senate] confirmation hearing, when the video of some of her exchanges with the senators went viral,” said Rauh-Bieri, who clerked for Barrett on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit from 2017-2018.
“I remember seeing that exchange and just being incredibly blown away,” Rauh-Bieri said of Barrett’s September 2017 confirmation hearings.
One such moment was when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., questioned the mother of seven about the influence of her Catholic faith.
“The dogma lives loudly within you, and that’s of concern,” Feinstein said to Barrett.
Barrett responded: “It’s never appropriate for a judge to impose that judge’s personal convictions, whether they arise from faith or anywhere else, on the law.”
Barrett, now 48, was a law clerk in 1998-1999 for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in 2016.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Barrett received her law degree in 1997, summa cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame in 1997. She has taught law at Notre Dame since 2002, including after becoming a judge.
Rauh-Bieri, 31, currently an associate at the law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone PLC in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said she was drawn to Barrett and knew she wanted to be one of the new judge’s law clerks.
“[I was] so impressed by the way that she handled that tough interaction,” Rauh-Bieri said.
“She demonstrated this incredible grace and poise in the face of some pretty intense questioning. And I remember thinking at that moment that she was exactly the kind of judge that I wanted to clerk for. And I was very fortunate that the opportunity came about.”
Confirmed by a Senate vote of 55-43, Barrett joined the 7th Circuit on Nov. 2, 2017.
President Donald Trump announced Sept. 26 that he would nominate Barrett to fill the Supreme Court seat vacated by the Sept. 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Laura Wolk, 33, a former Notre Dame student of Barrett’s, told The Daily Signal that Barrett was, in some ways, a lifesaver for her. Wolk is blind.
“When I went to Notre Dame, I had asked the school to provide me with the same exact assistive technology that I had purchased for myself, just in case … something were to go wrong,” Wolk told The Daily Signal in an interview.
“Unfortunately, though they had worked on that process, the technology from the school was not there. And so I came to Notre Dame, the technology was not purchased, and almost immediately my own personal computer started to fail. So it was … the exact emergency scenario that I had planned for.”
Accommodations for blind students across the nation are better now then they were in 2013, Wolk said.
Unlike classmates who could see, Wolk said, she couldn’t just borrow a computer or go to a library.
Even if she could, the computer wouldn’t have the right software on it for a visually-impaired person.
“And so I was immediately put into a position where I couldn’t read my textbooks,” Wolk said. “I couldn’t take notes. I was really struggling to keep up in class, and as a first-semester student who is also trying to learn how to do law school, it was a really terrifying experience.”
She said that Barrett went to bat for her in ways she had never experienced before:
What I was expecting from her was just practical advice: ‘This is the person you need to email. This is what you should say.’ But when I went to go talk to her, I instantly … I found myself just talking with her not only about my technology problems, but also about all of the other struggles that I was having as a blind person at Notre Dame.
Barrett’s husband, Jesse Barrett, a former assistant U.S. attorney, also graduated from Notre Dame. He was editor in chief of the Notre Dame Law Review, she was executive editor.
Barrett’s students named her “Distinguished Professor of the Year” during three different years, The Indy Star reported.
“Professor Barrett, she was very kind,” Wolk recalled.
“She just allowed me to talk and to say my piece and to get out all of my emotions. And at the end of it, as I wrote in my piece describing this interaction, she just very quietly, but completely matter of fact, told me, ‘This is not your problem anymore. It’s my problem.’”
Wolk said that Barrett “made it clear to me that … there are times in life when the best gift that you can give to someone is to completely take something on and take it onto yourself and take it off of their plate.”
Wolk said Barrett exhibited the same care and concern during her last semester of law school, when she had a small health scare related to her blindness resulting from treatment she underwent as a child:
And again, just like my first semester, Professor Barrett was — she just proved to be this presence where she would occasionally check in on me as things were proceeding, asking me how I was doing and expressed that she was there for me for the long haul and she was willing to be there as a support, even when it had absolutely nothing to do with her role as being a professor for me.
Wolk, who lives in Washington, D.C., will return to private practice in that area after recently wrapping up a clerkship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Lexi Baltes, 28, clerked for Barrett in 2018-2019. Baltes, also a first-year student in Barrett’s class on constitutional law at Notre Dame, said she wouldn’t describe her former professor as easy.
“She was a tough professor,” Baltes said. “Beloved, but tough. And also revered, universally respected, and admired by Notre Dame law students.”
Baltes, an associate at the law firm of Consovoy McCarthy PLLC in Arlington, Virginia, said Barrett welcomed every perspective in her classroom.
“She always encouraged open dialogue in class, encouraged diverse viewpoints, and would push back on those viewpoints no matter what they were, to help us as students try to reach the most refined and principled answer, whatever that might be,” Baltes said.
Barrett has the same approach in the courtroom, Baltes said:
She does the same thing in chambers. She tries to use her clerks, use the arguments by the parties, use whatever’s available, to make sure that she is reaching the most principled answer, separate from any personal preference or public pressure, to get the right result under the law.
Mariel Brookins, 32, who clerked for Barrett in her first year on the 7th Circuit in 2017-2018, agrees.
“I think we know a lot of the hot topic cases. One in particular … it was hard to kind of figure out what the right side was. And it wasn’t one that seemed obvious to us,” Brookins, who lives in Arlington with her husband, recalled in an interview with The Daily Signal, adding:
And so she came into my office one day and was like, ‘Mariel, I’m thinking about it in this direction.’ And I said, ‘Oh, well, I’m thinking about it in the totally other direction.’ And we spend an hour just going back and forth over the doctrine and the facts, and kind of left it at that and went back [to] our day’s work. The next day she knocked on my door, stopped by my office again, and she said, ‘I think I’m kind of coming around to your side.’ And I said, ‘I think I’m coming around to your side.’ And I think that what that really shows is that she values the opinion of those around her. And she’s not coming to the table with these preconceived notions of how cases should come out.
Aside from the practical legal experience they received under Barrett, these admirers also came away with moments that they say illustrate Barrett’s character.
“One really fond memory of mine: The very first day that I went into chambers, I walked in the door and she was standing there holding a roll of paper towels and some Windex and just wiping down all of the wood from space that had been vacant for 20 years,” Brookins said.
“And my first impression of her was somebody who would just get into the work that needed to be done, regardless of what the work was.”
Baltes said one fond memory illustrates Barrett’s humility.
Baltes and her fellow law clerks had court in Chicago; Barrett had gone up earlier, but didn’t have a ride back.
“It was my co-clerk’s car, and happened to be an old minivan,” Baltes said. “And Judge needed a ride back, and she insisted on riding in the back seat, which I felt very uncomfortable about. But she’s just so humble, she has such a gracious attitude in every aspect of her life, whether it’s riding in a car with her clerks or sitting on the bench listening to a case.”
Rauh-Bieri said she recalls one time when Barrett had to bring her youngest children into work, and how it illustrated the judge’s dedication and ability to keep her commitments:
I can remember coming into chambers once, and two of her youngest kids were in our courtroom, playing judge. So they were down the hall doing that, while she was in her office working on an opinion. And that’s such a unique view. And as clerks, we were fortunate enough to see her approach, being a judge and being a mother at the same time. And I think that’s going to be a really incredible thing to see in a Supreme Court justice. We’ve never had that before.
Rachel del Guidice (@LRacheldG) is a reporter for The Daily Signal. She is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Forge Leadership Network, and The Heritage Foundation’s Young Leaders Program.