thestream--2020-09-03--David Marshall’s Sharp, Informative, Witty Letter to a ‘Racist’ Nation

Sometimes you need a broader point of view , sometimes you need a more educated perspective .
And sometimes what you need most is a good old-fashioned sense of humor .
Stream contributor David Marshall has all three going for him , in his recently published ebook Letter to a ‘ Racist ’ Nation .
His purpose , as the book ’ s subtitle says , is to urge us to Pull Yourselves Together , America .
That ’ s not a bad thought , right from the start .
Not since the 1960s has violence wracked our cities so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re even more fractured now than we were then .
Marshall launches into his message swift and strong , telling America , All that is hard to argue with .
But where did this come from , so quickly and so hard ?
Most analyses I ’ ve read of this madness focus on cultural Marxism and/or critical race theory .
I suspect Marshall would agree with that , but he majors on a different explanation : René Girard ’ s ( 1923-2015 ) scapegoating theory .
According to his summary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict , violence , and social fragmentation.
” That ’ s common enough in human experience , but tensions rise when crisis comes , such as “ invasion , natural disaster , or plague.
” That ’ s when “ competing factions focus rage on some person or group that stands out from the crowd.
” It could be anyone : ugly , beautiful , weak , strong ; as long as they meet that criterion of being different .
The scapegoat is “ accused … of the most heinous crimes.
” So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger and guilt upon some marginalized member.
” Today ’ s scapegoat ?
Donald Trump would have been a great candidate , but he keeps refusing to cooperate and play the role .
So America found another one : the police .
The “ heinous sin ” is of course racism , a fault too foul to be contained merely by police forces , so it spills over to every white person and to a poorly defined “ institutional racism.
” What it means , he tells us , is that we “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witches.
” Of course he ’ s not talking about real racists , any more than he would talk about real witches .
He ’ s talking about people we can label and judge as racists — people we can look down on .
They serve our troubled society a vital ( if dishonest ) purpose : “ They render you righteous by their very existence.
” So where shall we find these racists ?
It ’ s tough , though , for ( as he explains ) we “ have suffered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do then ?
“ Designating the police as honorary racists was a brilliant move , ” he says , “ in a culture that reasons anecdotally , everyone holds a cell phone in his pocket , and a self-approving conscience is purchased for the cheap price of denouncing fake racism.
” Fake ?
Yes .
Marshall shows in detail how Black Lives Matter skews the facts , hiding , for example , the very legitimate , often life-saving reasons explaining the great majority of BLM ’ s “ violent police encounters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s traveled through , and — more importantly lived among — an amazing variety of peoples and cultures .
( He detailed that himself recently in another open letter here on The Stream . )
He holds a Ph.D. focused on China Studies .
So by education and by both traveling and living in many cultures , he has the background one would want for cultural analysis .
Thankfully his book , though well-informed , is anything but pedantic .
I was about laughing out loud more than once in his final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , but this time a contemporary update of Lewis ’ s Screwtape Letters — one of the very few I ’ ve seen that ’ s actually worked .
If you think Screwtape is hard to imitate , you ’ re right , but I ’ d have bought this book for that one chapter alone .
It ’ s that good .
If there ’ s one criticism I ’ d make of the book , it ’ s that Marshall ’ s “ letter to America ” format doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He speaks to us in the second person , “ you , ” as he ought to in a “ letter , ” but he did so rather infrequently , so that I found it jarring when it appeared from time to time .
I had to remind myself again ( and again ) , “ Oh , that ’ s right .
It ’ s a letter to America.
” That ’ s a small thing , though .
I can only imagine how blazingly fast he wrote the book , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rich with perspective and information , and it ’ s readable to the point of being entertaining .
If only it were entertainment on a lighter theme .
America , we ’ ve got to pull ourselves together .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the recently released Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

Sometimes you need a broader point of view, sometimes you need a more educated perspective. And sometimes what you need most is a good old-fashioned sense of humor. Stream contributor David Marshall has all three going for him, in his recently published ebook Letter to a ‘Racist’ Nation.
His purpose, as the book’s subtitle says, is to urge us to Pull Yourselves Together, America. That’s not a bad thought, right from the start. Not since the 1960s has violence wracked our cities so, and I’d say we’re even more fractured now than we were then.
Marshall launches into his message swift and strong, telling America,
You’ve been sold a bill of bads. Fake history, lies about cops, shallow inanities regarding race, culture, and neo-Marxist social philosophies are degrading your universities, tearing your cities apart, ruining friends, and making life hard for the vulnerable and marginalized, along with people who just want to make jambalaya and sell it from a food truck in downtown Portland.
All that is hard to argue with. But where did this come from, so quickly and so hard?
Needing a Scapegoat
Most analyses I’ve read of this madness focus on cultural Marxism and/or critical race theory. I suspect Marshall would agree with that, but he majors on a different explanation: René Girard’s (1923-2015) scapegoating theory. According to his summary of Girard, human competition leads to “conflict, violence, and social fragmentation.”
That’s common enough in human experience, but tensions rise when crisis comes, such as “invasion, natural disaster, or plague.” That’s when “competing factions focus rage on some person or group that stands out from the crowd.” It could be anyone: ugly, beautiful, weak, strong; as long as they meet that criterion of being different.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The scapegoat is “accused … of the most heinous crimes.” So “society makes peace by casting its anger and guilt upon some marginalized member.”
Today’s scapegoat? Donald Trump would have been a great candidate, but he keeps refusing to cooperate and play the role. So America found another one: the police. The “heinous sin” is of course racism, a fault too foul to be contained merely by police forces, so it spills over to every white person and to a poorly defined “institutional racism.”
“We Need Racists”?
What it means, he tells us, is that we “need racists, as Renaissance Europe needed witches.” Of course he’s not talking about real racists, any more than he would talk about real witches. He’s talking about people we can label and judge as racists — people we can look down on. They serve our troubled society a vital (if dishonest) purpose: “They render you righteous by their very existence.”
So where shall we find these racists? It’s tough, though, for (as he explains) we “have suffered a famine of racists for years.” What to do then? “Designating the police as honorary racists was a brilliant move,” he says, “in a culture that reasons anecdotally, everyone holds a cell phone in his pocket, and a self-approving conscience is purchased for the cheap price of denouncing fake racism.”
Fake? Yes. Marshall shows in detail how Black Lives Matter skews the facts, hiding, for example, the very legitimate, often life-saving reasons explaining the great majority of BLM’s “violent police encounters.
Witty and Well-Informed
Marshall speaks from broad experience: He’s traveled through, and — more importantly lived among — an amazing variety of peoples and cultures. (He detailed that himself recently in another open letter here on The Stream.) He holds a Ph.D. focused on China Studies. So by education and by both traveling and living in many cultures, he has the background one would want for cultural analysis.
Thankfully his book, though well-informed, is anything but pedantic. I was about laughing out loud more than once in his final chapter. It’s another letter again, but this time a contemporary update of Lewis’s Screwtape Letters — one of the very few I’ve seen that’s actually worked. If you think Screwtape is hard to imitate, you’re right, but I’d have bought this book for that one chapter alone. It’s that good.
If you think Screwtape is hard to imitate, you’re right, but I’d have bought this book for that one chapter alone.
If there’s one criticism I’d make of the book, it’s that Marshall’s “letter to America” format doesn’t work as consistently as it might. He speaks to us in the second person, “you,” as he ought to in a “letter,” but he did so rather infrequently, so that I found it jarring when it appeared from time to time. I had to remind myself again (and again), “Oh, that’s right. It’s a letter to America.”
That’s a small thing, though. I can only imagine how blazingly fast he wrote the book, considering how current it is.
It’s rich with perspective and information, and it’s readable to the point of being entertaining. If only it were entertainment on a lighter theme. America, we’ve got to pull ourselves together.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the recently released Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


thestream--2020-09-03--Thank You, Nancy Pelosi!

Thank You, Nancy Pelosi!

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel must have sent Nancy Pelosi a bouquet of flowers this morning .
Her RNC lawyers are investigating whether what Nancy Pelosi did Monday constitutes an in-kind contribution to the Republican Party .
And what Nancy did Wednesday exceeds federal election limits on giving .
Such was Pelosi ’ s decision to use a salon closed by her city ’ s and state ’ s COVID-19 restrictions for a private wash and style .
Then doubling down , and accusing the owner of setting her up .
Those poor leaders of Congress , always getting bullied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seen the story — and much of the Mainstream Media avoided it — a stylist who rents a chair at eSalon in San Francisco got a call from Nancy ’ s assistant Monday .
The Speaker wanted an appointment … despite the shutdown .
Owner Erica Kious didn ’ t feel she could stop the stylist from making money , so she allowed it .
But she was very upset .
After all , for six months she ’ s been shut by California and San Francisco ’ s draconian shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants what her other clients can ’ t have ?
How imperial .
Kious told Fox News about Pelosi ’ s visit and provided the security video to prove it .
Initially , Pelosi issued an insipid denial she didn ’ t know she was doing anything wrong .
As the Daily Caller said , “ Claiming ignorance of the regulations that are crippling the business of your constituents is … an interesting excuse.
” Then yesterday , Pelosi doubled down and upped a dangerous ante .
Pelosi declared herself the victim , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set-up.
” She demanded an apology .
Yup .
The most powerful woman in America claims a local salon owner pulled one over on her and set her up .
Shades of former DC Mayor Marion Barry , caught smoking crack with his girlfriend , declaring to cops “ The b**** set me up.
” Pelosi must be on crack herself to not realize what a horrible look that is .
Not surprisingly , the stylist is siding with Pelosi .
After all , when in doubt stick with your wealthy client over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , Jonathan DeNardo says “ from a simple surface review of Ms. Kious ’ political leanings , it appears Ms. Kious is furthering a setup of Speaker Pelosi for her own vain aspirations.
” In other words , “ She told me how furious she was at Pelosi and the shutdown .
She spilled the story to Fox News .
FOX NEWS !
Ergo , obviously , she is a Trump-loving conservative.
” Which in San Francisco is literally worse than being a domestic terrorist .
So , also not surprisingly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since this has happened , I have received nothing but hate text messages , death threats , [ saying that ] they ’ re going to burn my hair salon down , ” she told Tucker Carlson .
“ My Yelp page is just unbelievable with bad reviews .
… It ’ s just sad that my community is pulling this … saying that I threw her under the bus when I didn ’ t. ” Pelosi was the one throwing people under the bus .
You know who she threw under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mothers .
Young people trying to get started in life .
Struggling families who find themselves “ non-essential.
” All of those who can ’ t do what they normally do and have to watch as the political elite and politically favored ( aka rioters ) indulge their whims .
Which is why Pelosi ’ s Great Blow-Dry Scandal might well blow Republicans back into control of the House .
What a glorious treasure Pelosi has handed the Republican Party .
California has not seen a gift like this since Richard Burton gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not since France gifted us the Louisiana Territory for a song has there been such a gift .
Pelosi should change her name to Santa .
This is even better than Hillary describing Trump supporters as “ Deplorables.
” In fact , Hillary should be sending Pelosi a fruit basket for overtaking her for the worst political blunder of the century .
Why ?
Because every Republican running in every district now has that footage for use in an attack ad .
Imagine this , repeated in all 435 congressional districts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t go to your salon , you can ’ t go to your church , you can ’ t go to a funeral , Nancy Pelosi thinks she can go anywhere she wants .
The rules don ’ t apply to her .
The rules don ’ t apply to the Washington powerful … or their allies rioting in the streets .
We can not allow Queen Nancy to continue to reign .
A vote for ( Democratic House candidate ) is a vote to keep Nancy on her throne .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against small business owners , against all forced to abide by nonsensical , politically-motivated shutdowns .
This November 3 , dethrone Nancy Pelosi .
Wash Nancy Pelosi and the Selfish Washington Elite right out of our hair .
In 2018 , the Democrats retook the House by running dozens of “ moderates ” in blue districts Trump had won .
They promised they wouldn ’ t be under Nancy ’ s thumb .
They swore they ’ d work across the aisle .
Instead , before their fannies were warm in their congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnered with Pelosi , and set out to impeach President Trump .
Those Democrats should pay for Pelosi ’ s salon appointment .
Every single Democrat in Congress should be forced to pay for Pelosi ’ s arrogance and entitlement .
She gets her hair done when millions can not .
She lectures the rest of us about masks and obeying shutdown orders , while her own district falls into fecal-covered , crime-ridden ruins .
That ’ s a perfect symbol of the Democratic party in 2020 .
Her blaming a single-mother small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own mistake — throwing one of her own constituents to the rabid radical wolves — is a perfect sign of Democratic arrogance .
Thomas Sowell said it perfectly in a tweet : “ We seem to be getting closer and closer to a situation where nobody is responsible for what they did but we are all responsible for what somebody else did.
” But two months from Election Day , we move closer and closer to being able to do something as a nation about it .
And thanks to Nancy Pelosi ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just got a lot easier .
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 .

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel must have sent Nancy Pelosi a bouquet of flowers this morning. Her RNC lawyers are investigating whether what Nancy Pelosi did Monday constitutes an in-kind contribution to the Republican Party. And what Nancy did Wednesday exceeds federal election limits on giving.
Such was Pelosi’s decision to use a salon closed by her city’s and state’s COVID-19 restrictions for a private wash and style. Then doubling down, and accusing the owner of setting her up. Those poor leaders of Congress, always getting bullied by down-and-out salon owners.
Nancy Pelosi’s Brush With Hypocrisy
If you haven’t seen the story — and much of the Mainstream Media avoided it — a stylist who rents a chair at eSalon in San Francisco got a call from Nancy’s assistant Monday. The Speaker wanted an appointment … despite the shutdown. Owner Erica Kious didn’t feel she could stop the stylist from making money, so she allowed it. But she was very upset. After all, for six months she’s been shut by California and San Francisco’s draconian shutdown rules championed by Pelosi.
Now Pelosi wants what her other clients can’t have? How imperial. Kious told Fox News about Pelosi’s visit and provided the security video to prove it.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Initially, Pelosi issued an insipid denial she didn’t know she was doing anything wrong. As the Daily Caller said, “Claiming ignorance of the regulations that are crippling the business of your constituents is … an interesting excuse.”
Then yesterday, Pelosi doubled down and upped a dangerous ante. Pelosi declared herself the victim, claiming she had “fallen for a set-up.” She demanded an apology. Yup. The most powerful woman in America claims a local salon owner pulled one over on her and set her up. Shades of former DC Mayor Marion Barry, caught smoking crack with his girlfriend, declaring to cops “The b**** set me up.”
Pelosi must be on crack herself to not realize what a horrible look that is.
Pelosi Throw ‘Em Under the Bus
Not surprisingly, the stylist is siding with Pelosi. After all, when in doubt stick with your wealthy client over your beaten-down business owner. In a statement, Jonathan DeNardo says “from a simple surface review of Ms. Kious’ political leanings, it appears Ms. Kious is furthering a setup of Speaker Pelosi for her own vain aspirations.”
In other words, “She told me how furious she was at Pelosi and the shutdown. She spilled the story to Fox News. FOX NEWS! Ergo, obviously, she is a Trump-loving conservative.” Which in San Francisco is literally worse than being a domestic terrorist.
So, also not surprisingly, Kious is receiving death threats. “Since this has happened, I have received nothing but hate text messages, death threats, [saying that] they’re going to burn my hair salon down,” she told Tucker Carlson. “My Yelp page is just unbelievable with bad reviews. … It’s just sad that my community is pulling this … saying that I threw her under the bus when I didn’t.”
Pelosi was the one throwing people under the bus. You know who she threw under the bus? Small business owners. Single mothers. Young people trying to get started in life. Struggling families who find themselves “non-essential.” All of those who can’t do what they normally do and have to watch as the political elite and politically favored (aka rioters) indulge their whims.
Which is why Pelosi’s Great Blow-Dry Scandal might well blow Republicans back into control of the House.
The Greatest Gift
What a glorious treasure Pelosi has handed the Republican Party. California has not seen a gift like this since Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor a 68-carat diamond. Politically, not since France gifted us the Louisiana Territory for a song has there been such a gift. Pelosi should change her name to Santa.
This is even better than Hillary describing Trump supporters as “Deplorables.” In fact, Hillary should be sending Pelosi a fruit basket for overtaking her for the worst political blunder of the century. Why? Because every Republican running in every district now has that footage for use in an attack ad.
Imagine this, repeated in all 435 congressional districts for the next two months.
While you can’t go to your salon, you can’t go to your church, you can’t go to a funeral, Nancy Pelosi thinks she can go anywhere she wants. The rules don’t apply to her. The rules don’t apply to the Washington powerful … or their allies rioting in the streets. We cannot allow Queen Nancy to continue to reign. A vote for (Democratic House candidate) is a vote to keep Nancy on her throne. It is a vote against you, against small business owners, against all forced to abide by nonsensical, politically-motivated shutdowns. This November 3, dethrone Nancy Pelosi. Wash Nancy Pelosi and the Selfish Washington Elite right out of our hair.
In 2018, the Democrats retook the House by running dozens of “moderates” in blue districts Trump had won. They promised they wouldn’t be under Nancy’s thumb. They swore they’d work across the aisle. Instead, before their fannies were warm in their congressional seats, they betrayed their promise, partnered with Pelosi, and set out to impeach President Trump. Those Democrats should pay for Pelosi’s salon appointment.
Every single Democrat in Congress should be forced to pay for Pelosi’s arrogance and entitlement.
The Perfect Symbol
She gets her hair done when millions cannot. She lectures the rest of us about masks and obeying shutdown orders, while her own district falls into fecal-covered, crime-ridden ruins. That’s a perfect symbol of the Democratic party in 2020.
Her blaming a single-mother small business owner struggling to survive for her own mistake — throwing one of her own constituents to the rabid radical wolves — is a perfect sign of Democratic arrogance. Thomas Sowell said it perfectly in a tweet: “We seem to be getting closer and closer to a situation where nobody is responsible for what they did but we are all responsible for what somebody else did.”
But two months from Election Day, we move closer and closer to being able to do something as a nation about it. And thanks to Nancy Pelosi’s generous gift, getting it done just got a lot easier.
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--2020-09-03--Did California Legislators Just Vote to Protect (Gay) Adults Who Have Sex with Minors?

If there was one thing we could all agree on , you would think it would be this : minors should be protected from sexually aggressive adults .
Yet , with a nod to “ equality ” under the law for the gay community , the California Assembly has voted to lessen the potential penalty for 24-year-olds who have sex with children as young as 14 .
Shockingly — or should I say , revoltingly — this is one of two similar bills that have just been passed by these legislators .
As explained by Greg Burt of the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished it ’ s 2020 session on Monday by passing a controversial bill that reduces the penalties on some adults who have consensual sex with minors as young as 14 years of age.
” Why on earth would they pass something like this ?
Why would they want to potentially reduce these penalties ?
The Reasoning ?
The Current Law is Harsher on Homosexual Sex I understand that the sexual acts are allegedly “ consensual ” and that the difference in age can be no more than 10 years .
And I understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register as sex offenders who really do not fit the bill .
But that ’ s the whole issue when it comes to children .
Can a child that young make a truly informed , consensual decision ?
And is not the adult required to take responsibility and not engage in sexual acts with a child , no matter how willing that child may be ?
Isn ’ t this the difference between adults and children under the law ?
Burt explains that “ Senate Bill 145 ’ s author , LGBT Caucus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , said the bill was necessary because current law is harsher if the crime involved homosexual sex between an adult and a minor as opposed to heterosexual sex .
All the Republicans and even some prominent and powerful Democrats did not buy that argument.
” As detailed by Equality California ( which celebrated the bill ) , “ Currently , for consensual yet illegal sexual relations between a teenager age 14 to 17 and a partner within 10 years of age , ‘ sexual intercourse ’ ( i.e.
, vaginal intercourse ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go onto the sex offender registry ; rather , the judge has discretion to decide , based on the facts of the case , whether sex offender registration is warranted or unwarranted .
By contrast , for all other forms of intercourse — specifically , oral and anal intercourse — sex offender registration is mandated under all situations , with no judicial discretion.
” Gay activists felt this was unfair , sponsoring SB 145 , which allows the judge to have the same discretion with “ all other forms of intercourse.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex with boys shouldn ’ t be punished anymore strictly than men who have heterosexual sex with girls .
And this leads to two very serious ( and revealing ) questions .
First , why would we want to protect an adult who commits a sexual act with a minor as young as 14 ?
Second , how prevalent is adult-minor sex in the gay community ?
( For the answer to that question , see here .
Or just read more about the life of gay icon Harvey Milk .
Note also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pedophilia but rather so-called “ consensual ” acts between adults and teens as young as 14 . )
The real focus should have been on the protection of the children rather than on lessening the penalty for certain sexual acts .
With that in mind , a bill could have been passed calling for equal penalties for any of these sex acts , be they “ heterosexual ” or “ homosexual ” acts .
Instead , gay activists pushed to lessen penalties for sexual acts that are even more common in the homosexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposing the bill was Democrat Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez .
She said : “ Any sex is sex .
I don ’ t care who it is between or what sex act it is .
That being said , I can not in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual , how it could ever not be a registerable offense.
” She continued , “ We should never give up on this idea that children are not , should be in any way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what it is.
” But there ’ s more .
Burt reports that the Senate also passed “ AB 1145 , a bill to lower the mandated reporting requirements for some statutory rape cases .
The bill was sponsored by Equality California .
The bill was approved 25 to 10 , with the Republicans voting no.
” Is it any surprise that Equality California was elated about this bill as well ?
And does this not confirm what conservative activists have argued for years , namely , that many in the gay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consent ?
( Almost 50 years ago , the 1972 Gay Rights Platform called for “ Repeal of all state laws governing the age of sexual consent.
” ) As Burt notes , “ This means high school teachers or counselors who know or suspect one of their 16-year-old students or counselees is having sex with a 20-year-old , they are no longer required to report it to authorities .
This bill is especially concerning in light of how many LGBT organizations are sponsoring social events between young teenagers and young adults .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ events.
” Groups like Mass Resistance have pointed out for years that many a young person got initiated into homosexual acts through their teachers and “ mentors.
” Now , California legislators have voted to protect the abusers .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

If there was one thing we could all agree on, you would think it would be this: minors should be protected from sexually aggressive adults. Yet, with a nod to “equality” under the law for the gay community, the California Assembly has voted to lessen the potential penalty for 24-year-olds who have sex with children as young as 14. Shockingly — or should I say, revoltingly — this is one of two similar bills that have just been passed by these legislators.
As explained by Greg Burt of the California Family Council, “The California legislature finished it’s 2020 session on Monday by passing a controversial bill that reduces the penalties on some adults who have consensual sex with minors as young as 14 years of age.”
Why on earth would they pass something like this? Why would they want to potentially reduce these penalties?
The Reasoning? The Current Law is Harsher on Homosexual Sex
I understand that the sexual acts are allegedly “consensual” and that the difference in age can be no more than 10 years. And I understand that some people end up having to register as sex offenders who really do not fit the bill.
But that’s the whole issue when it comes to children. Can a child that young make a truly informed, consensual decision? And is not the adult required to take responsibility and not engage in sexual acts with a child, no matter how willing that child may be? Isn’t this the difference between adults and children under the law?
Burt explains that “Senate Bill 145’s author, LGBT Caucus Leader Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), said the bill was necessary because current law is harsher if the crime involved homosexual sex between an adult and a minor as opposed to heterosexual sex. All the Republicans and even some prominent and powerful Democrats did not buy that argument.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
As detailed by Equality California (which celebrated the bill), “Currently, for consensual yet illegal sexual relations between a teenager age 14 to 17 and a partner within 10 years of age, ‘sexual intercourse’ (i.e., vaginal intercourse) does not mandate that the offender to go onto the sex offender registry; rather, the judge has discretion to decide, based on the facts of the case, whether sex offender registration is warranted or unwarranted. By contrast, for all other forms of intercourse — specifically, oral and anal intercourse — sex offender registration is mandated under all situations, with no judicial discretion.”
Gay activists felt this was unfair, sponsoring SB 145, which allows the judge to have the same discretion with “all other forms of intercourse.” In other words, men who have gay sex with boys shouldn’t be punished anymore strictly than men who have heterosexual sex with girls.
Two Revealing Questions
And this leads to two very serious (and revealing) questions. First, why would we want to protect an adult who commits a sexual act with a minor as young as 14? Second, how prevalent is adult-minor sex in the gay community? (For the answer to that question, see here. Or just read more about the life of gay icon Harvey Milk. Note also that I’m not talking about pedophilia but rather so-called “consensual” acts between adults and teens as young as 14.)
The real focus should have been on the protection of the children rather than on lessening the penalty for certain sexual acts. With that in mind, a bill could have been passed calling for equal penalties for any of these sex acts, be they “heterosexual” or “homosexual” acts. Instead, gay activists pushed to lessen penalties for sexual acts that are even more common in the homosexual community. How telling.
First, why would we want to protect an adult who commits a sexual act with a minor as young as 14? Second, how prevalent is adult-minor sex in the gay community?
Among those opposing the bill was Democrat Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez. She said: “Any sex is sex. I don’t care who it is between or what sex act it is. That being said, I cannot in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual, how it could ever not be a registerable offense.”
She continued, “We should never give up on this idea that children are not, should be in any way subject to a predator. And that is what it is.”
California’s Senate Passed Another Troubling Bill
But there’s more. Burt reports that the Senate also passed “AB 1145, a bill to lower the mandated reporting requirements for some statutory rape cases. The bill was sponsored by Equality California. The bill was approved 25 to 10, with the Republicans voting no.”
Is it any surprise that Equality California was elated about this bill as well? And does this not confirm what conservative activists have argued for years, namely, that many in the gay community want to lower the age of consent? (Almost 50 years ago, the 1972 Gay Rights Platform called for “Repeal of all state laws governing the age of sexual consent.”)
As Burt notes, “This means high school teachers or counselors who know or suspect one of their 16-year-old students or counselees is having sex with a 20-year-old, they are no longer required to report it to authorities. This bill is especially concerning in light of how many LGBT organizations are sponsoring social events between young teenagers and young adults. See the following fliers for LGBT social events.”
California Legislators Have Voted to Protect Abusers
Groups like Mass Resistance have pointed out for years that many a young person got initiated into homosexual acts through their teachers and “mentors.”
Now, California legislators have voted to protect the abusers.
Let the outcry begin.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-09-03--Facebook Labels Rittenhouse Shooting ‘Mass Murder,’ Removes Posts Defending Teen

Facebook has labeled the Kyle Rittenhouse shooting a mass murder and has removed posts from users who argue he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed two people during a riot last week , a company spokesman told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Facebook placed the 17-year-old Rittenhouse on the company ’ s list of “ dangerous individuals and organizations , ” according to the spokesman .
The spokesman did not respond to a question about whether Facebook will make a distinction between users who post content suggesting Rittenhouse acted in self-defense and those who use his actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting rioters and protesters .
The spokesman cited a post from YouTube personality Mark Dice as an example of content that will be removed .
Dice , a conservative writer , wrote an Aug. 28 Facebook post in which he described a video showing Rittenhouse helping a wounded protester in Kenosha .
The post was removed , Dice explained in a Sept. 1 tweet .
“ Facebook just removed a video I posted showing Kyle Rittenhouse offering help to a wounded protester in Kenosha , ” Dice wrote in the tweet .
Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire account ” as a result of his decision to publish the post , said Dice , who linked to the video .
Rittenhouse was arrested after being accused of shooting and killing one man while being chased around Kenosha , according to a criminal complaint Axios obtained .
He then ran into the road before tripping and falling .
Once on the ground , Rittenhouse fatally shot another man in the chest and a third in the arm as they rushed at him , the complaint stated .
The Facebook spokesman also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet from Brian Fishman , Facebook ’ s director of Counterterrorism and Dangerous Organizations , that reads : “ Yesterday we designated the shooting as a mass murder and removed the shooter ’ s accounts from Facebook & Instagram.
” Fishman added : “ Per standard practice in these situations , we are also removing praise and support of the shooter and have also blocked searches of his name on our platforms.
” Fishman said that Facebook was unable to find evidence that Rittenhouse followed the Kenosha Guard Page , which created an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Protect our Lives and Property , ” the Verge reported Aug. 26 .
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in an Aug. 28 video post that “ the page violated our policies.
” Not removing the page up was a “ mistake , ” he added .
Rittenhouse ’ s attorney meanwhile believes the teenager was acting in self defense .
“ Kyle did nothing wrong .
He exercised his God-given , Constitutional , common law and statutory right to self defense , ” Pierce Bainbridge , the law firm representing Rittenhouse , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rittenhouse is facing six charges , including first degree intentional homicide and attempted intentional homicide .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Facebook has labeled the Kyle Rittenhouse shooting a mass murder and has removed posts from users who argue he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed two people during a riot last week, a company spokesman told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Facebook placed the 17-year-old Rittenhouse on the company’s list of “dangerous individuals and organizations,” according to the spokesman. The spokesman did not respond to a question about whether Facebook will make a distinction between users who post content suggesting Rittenhouse acted in self-defense and those who use his actions as a way to express support for shooting rioters and protesters.
The spokesman cited a post from YouTube personality Mark Dice as an example of content that will be removed. Dice, a conservative writer, wrote an Aug. 28 Facebook post in which he described a video showing Rittenhouse helping a wounded protester in Kenosha. The post was removed, Dice explained in a Sept. 1 tweet.
Facebook just removed a video I posted showing Kyle Rittenhouse offering help to a wounded protester in Kenosha and are threatening to delete my entire account. This was the video: pic.twitter.com/kXoUvQdTDS — Mark Dice (@MarkDice) September 2, 2020
“Facebook just removed a video I posted showing Kyle Rittenhouse offering help to a wounded protester in Kenosha,” Dice wrote in the tweet. Facebook is now “threatening to delete my entire account” as a result of his decision to publish the post, said Dice, who linked to the video.
Rittenhouse was arrested after being accused of shooting and killing one man while being chased around Kenosha, according to a criminal complaint Axios obtained. He then ran into the road before tripping and falling. Once on the ground, Rittenhouse fatally shot another man in the chest and a third in the arm as they rushed at him, the complaint stated.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The Facebook spokesman also directed the DCNF to an Aug. 27 tweet from Brian Fishman, Facebook’s director of Counterterrorism and Dangerous Organizations, that reads: “Yesterday we designated the shooting as a mass murder and removed the shooter’s accounts from Facebook & Instagram.”
Fishman added: “Per standard practice in these situations, we are also removing praise and support of the shooter and have also blocked searches of his name on our platforms.”
Fishman said that Facebook was unable to find evidence that Rittenhouse followed the Kenosha Guard Page, which created an event before the shooting encouraging users to “Protect our Lives and Property,” the Verge reported Aug. 26. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in an Aug. 28 video post that “the page violated our policies.” Not removing the page up was a “mistake,” he added.
Rittenhouse’s attorney meanwhile believes the teenager was acting in self defense. “Kyle did nothing wrong. He exercised his God-given, Constitutional, common law and statutory right to self defense,” Pierce Bainbridge, the law firm representing Rittenhouse, said in an Aug. 28 press release.
Rittenhouse is facing six charges, including first degree intentional homicide and attempted intentional homicide.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-09-03--Joy Break: God ‘Has Been Good to Me’: WWII Vet Celebrates 100th Birthday With Drive-by Party

When we turn on our televisions or smart phones we are bombarded with news that brings us down .
Where are all the good stories ?
They ’ re still there .
Here ’ s one that we hope will bless you .
Almost 50 cars , trucks and motorcycles celebrated Bill Macomber ’ s 100th birthday Saturday with a drive-by party .
The WWII veteran turned 100 on August 6 , but the family was unable to organize a drive-by party at that time .
His daughter , Cherry Smithson , helped organize the party , telling CBN News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather .
“ We stopped looking at the weather forecast .
We have been looking so forward to this.
” Kim Turner Kendricks , Bill ’ s grandaughter , posted birthday wishes on Facebook .
“ Happy 100th Birthday to my AMAZING Granddad , Bill Macomber !
!
!
!
!
!
Thank you for your continuous love and support for us all !
!
!
You truly are a blessing to so many !
!
!
You have shown us so many wonderful examples of how we should love and care for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Originally from Georgia , Bill — who served in the Navy during the 1940s — settled in Virginia after the war .
He had been assigned to the USS New Mexico .
He married his wife , Helen , 76 years ago .
She will turn 99 years old in November .
His faith has endured throughout the years .
He said that Psalm 121 has given him hope .
I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from ?
My help comes from the Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber ; indeed , he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep .
The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand ; the sun will not harm you by day , nor the moon by night .
The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life ; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Bill , “ to let me live this long .
He must have something He wants me to do.
” Thank you , Bill , for your service .
And happy birthday !
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

When we turn on our televisions or smart phones we are bombarded with news that brings us down. Where are all the good stories? They’re still there. Here’s one that we hope will bless you.
Almost 50 cars, trucks and motorcycles celebrated Bill Macomber’s 100th birthday Saturday with a drive-by party. The WWII veteran turned 100 on August 6, but the family was unable to organize a drive-by party at that time.
His daughter, Cherry Smithson, helped organize the party, telling CBN News they weren’t worried about the weather. “We stopped looking at the weather forecast. We have been looking so forward to this.”
Kim Turner Kendricks, Bill’s grandaughter, posted birthday wishes on Facebook. “Happy 100th Birthday to my AMAZING Granddad, Bill Macomber!!!!!! Thank you for your continuous love and support for us all!!! You truly are a blessing to so many!!! You have shown us so many wonderful examples of how we should love and care for others. Love you!!!”
Originally from Georgia, Bill — who served in the Navy during the 1940s — settled in Virginia after the war. He had been assigned to the USS New Mexico. He married his wife, Helen, 76 years ago. She will turn 99 years old in November.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
His faith has endured throughout the years. He said that Psalm 121 has given him hope.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains —
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip —
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you —
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm —
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
“He’s been good to me,” said Bill, “to let me live this long. He must have something He wants me to do.”
Thank you, Bill, for your service. And happy birthday!
Watch:
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-09-03--A New Perspective: Diamond and Silk Discuss Their New Book, the Election, and What It Means for Amer

A New Perspective: Diamond and Silk Discuss Their New Book, the Election, and What It Means for America

“ There never would have been a president Donald J. Trump had Democrats done right by America , including black America , ” Diamond of conservative African American sisters Diamond and Silk told The Stream .
“ They never do right by black America .
They say what they ’ re going to do and do nothing.
” Black America is waking up to realize that Democrats only come out when they ’ re vying for black votes .
“ They are liars and black America is starting to realize that .
So their only hope is Trump , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for black people because out of all of the presidents in our lifetime , he ’ s the only one that ’ s done more for black people than any other president that I ’ ve seen.
” The sisters have been stumping for Trump since 2015 .
People have been asking “ Where did these girls come from ?
” Now in North Carolina , Diamond and Silk spent much of their lives in Detroit , Michigan .
They both became pregnant as teenagers but refused to get on welfare .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs , eventually finding employment at the same factory .
They both graduated from beauty school .
In 2014 , after watching the Wendy Williams Show , they decided to start a podcast to call her out on what they felt was a mistake she ’ d made and failed to address .
Over time , the podcasts were going viral and news outlets wanted them on for interviews .
Then one day Diamond and Silk received an invitation to attend the GOP debate in Wisconsin .
They were able to meet then-presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lara Trump .
Diamond and Silk even spoke at some of Trump ’ s campaign events .
They later decided to write a book about their experiences .
“ So we decided to write a book about who we were , about our upbringing , why we think the way we think , ” said Diamond .
Their new book , Uprising : The Awakening of Diamond and Silk , released late last month .
The ladies address how they entered the political arena , censorship on social media , liberal ideology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t just write the book for conservatives .
“ We actually found that there is an uprising going on in the underground , ” said Silk .
“ A lot of people want something different … they ’ re hungry for something they ’ ve been yearning for .
And in this particular book , I believe Diamond and Silk do that because we showed them a new perspective and a new way of looking at things.
” It ’ s that perspective that is angering the left .
“ That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these people , especially with social media , trying to censor Diamond and Silk , because they don ’ t want the truth to get out about their nasty past , ” said Silk , “ And their nasty narrative that they ’ ve been pushing on the black community for years .
And when I say ‘ they , ’ I ’ m talking about the Democrat party.
” One social media platform has changed their terms and services to highlight discrimination against conservatives .
Diamond explains : This is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , Section 3.2 of our terms and services will be updated … We also can remove or restrict access to your content services or information if we determined that doing so is reasonably necessary to avoid , or mitigate adverse legal or regulatory impacts to Facebook.
’ Now , what are you saying ?
Because that alone , we don ’ t understand it .
And why are you doing it October the first — some [ 30 ] days before the election .
… This is my humble opinion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And if they determine that your information is not up to their liking , then they ’ re going to be able to restrict access to your content .
The social media platforms are trying to justify what they ’ ve been doing all along , said Diamond .
“ It was Diamond and Silk that went on the Hill in 2018 and told what was happening and what was going to happen .
And here it is two years later .
And it is happening , that ’ s exactly the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen.
” But censorship won ’ t stop the duo .
“ Let me tell you something , ” said Diamond .
“ Diamond and Silk ain ’ t going nowhere , ’ cause we [ are ] always going to have something to talk about .
We love this country .
We ’ re very patriotic .
We love our flag , so we stand for it .
And we love the president of the United States .
So we ’ re going to continue to speak out on issues , talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be more pro-America .
Be for America than against America .
That ’ s what we ’ re going to use our voices for.
” What People Should Know About the Election “ I want people to know that if they don ’ t vote right they will get left , ” said Diamond .
“ This election is the most imperative , the most important election of our lifetime.
” She explains that the left is pushing anarchy , socialism , communism and wants to defund the police .
She says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We weren ’ t born into slavery .
… We were born free .
And so , when I see the left trying to push this foolishness down the throats of America , particularly black America to keep us stuck in the pain of our ancestors and telling us that we need to go along with an organization called the black life matters … we don ’ t know nothing about [ slavery ] .
” Diamond said that people from Cuba and Venezuela come to America , they come because the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to escape socialism and communism .
But if the left-leaning radicals push chaos and confusion down the throats of the American people , we ’ ll have no where to go .
“ We ’ re the greatest , so where are we going to run to ?
So , as patriots , as black Americans … we have to stand up and say , ‘ Wait a minute .
Enough is enough .
We were born free .
Our ancestors built this , and I ’ ll be doggone if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tear this down . '
” They ’ ve got the book , their podcast , their new TV show on Newsmax , Diamond and Silk Crystal Clear , and their own social media platform called Chatdit .
They ’ re on a roll and are positive about what ’ s coming next .
“ Our president says it best — the best is yet to come .
Truly , the best is yet to come.
” Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Streamdotorg .

“There never would have been a president Donald J. Trump had Democrats done right by America, including black America,” Diamond of conservative African American sisters Diamond and Silk told The Stream. “They never do right by black America. They say what they’re going to do and do nothing.”
Black America is waking up to realize that Democrats only come out when they’re vying for black votes. “They are liars and black America is starting to realize that. So their only hope is Trump, it really is. He is a champion for black people because out of all of the presidents in our lifetime, he’s the only one that’s done more for black people than any other president that I’ve seen.”
A New Perspective
The sisters have been stumping for Trump since 2015. People have been asking “Where did these girls come from?”
Now in North Carolina, Diamond and Silk spent much of their lives in Detroit, Michigan. They both became pregnant as teenagers but refused to get on welfare. The sisters worked their way up in their jobs, eventually finding employment at the same factory. They both graduated from beauty school. In 2014, after watching the Wendy Williams Show, they decided to start a podcast to call her out on what they felt was a mistake she’d made and failed to address. Over time, the podcasts were going viral and news outlets wanted them on for interviews.
Then one day Diamond and Silk received an invitation to attend the GOP debate in Wisconsin. They were able to meet then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and later met Eric and Lara Trump. Diamond and Silk even spoke at some of Trump’s campaign events. They later decided to write a book about their experiences.
“So we decided to write a book about who we were, about our upbringing, why we think the way we think,” said Diamond. Their new book, Uprising: The Awakening of Diamond and Silk, released late last month. The ladies address how they entered the political arena, censorship on social media, liberal ideology and even coronavirus.
They didn’t just write the book for conservatives. “We actually found that there is an uprising going on in the underground,” said Silk. “A lot of people want something different … they’re hungry for something they’ve been yearning for. And in this particular book, I believe Diamond and Silk do that because we showed them a new perspective and a new way of looking at things.”
Censorship of Conservatives
It’s that perspective that is angering the left. “That’s the reason why you have a lot of these people, especially with social media, trying to censor Diamond and Silk, because they don’t want the truth to get out about their nasty past,” said Silk, “And their nasty narrative that they’ve been pushing on the black community for years. And when I say ‘they,’ I’m talking about the Democrat party.”
One social media platform has changed their terms and services to highlight discrimination against conservatives. Diamond explains:
This is what they said: ‘Effective October 1, 2020, Section 3.2 of our terms and services will be updated … We also can remove or restrict access to your content services or information if we determined that doing so is reasonably necessary to avoid, or mitigate adverse legal or regulatory impacts to Facebook.’ Now, what are you saying? Because that alone, we don’t understand it. And why are you doing it October the first — some [30] days before the election. … This is my humble opinion, that conservatives are going to be targeted. And if they determine that your information is not up to their liking, then they’re going to be able to restrict access to your content.
The social media platforms are trying to justify what they’ve been doing all along, said Diamond. “It was Diamond and Silk that went on the Hill in 2018 and told what was happening and what was going to happen. And here it is two years later. And it is happening, that’s exactly the way we said it was going to happen.”
Can’t Stop Them
But censorship won’t stop the duo. “Let me tell you something,” said Diamond. “Diamond and Silk ain’t going nowhere, ’cause we [are] always going to have something to talk about. We love this country. We’re very patriotic. We love our flag, so we stand for it. And we love the president of the United States. So we’re going to continue to speak out on issues, talk about our great country and steer people to be more pro-America. Be for America than against America. That’s what we’re going to use our voices for.”
What People Should Know About the Election
“I want people to know that if they don’t vote right they will get left,” said Diamond. “This election is the most imperative, the most important election of our lifetime.” She explains that the left is pushing anarchy, socialism, communism and wants to defund the police. She says it’s just crazy. “We weren’t born into slavery. … We were born free. And so, when I see the left trying to push this foolishness down the throats of America, particularly black America to keep us stuck in the pain of our ancestors and telling us that we need to go along with an organization called the black life matters … we don’t know nothing about [slavery].”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Diamond said that people from Cuba and Venezuela come to America, they come because the “greatest country on earth” is a place to escape socialism and communism. But if the left-leaning radicals push chaos and confusion down the throats of the American people, we’ll have no where to go. “We’re the greatest, so where are we going to run to? So, as patriots, as black Americans … we have to stand up and say, ‘Wait a minute. Enough is enough. We were born free. Our ancestors built this, and I’ll be doggone if we [are] going to allow anybody to tear this down.'”
They’ve got the book, their podcast, their new TV show on Newsmax, Diamond and Silk Crystal Clear, and their own social media platform called Chatdit. They’re on a roll and are positive about what’s coming next. “Our president says it best — the best is yet to come. Truly, the best is yet to come.”
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-09-03--Vote Which America You Want —the Antifa Crybully Arsonist’s, or Kyle Rittenhouse’s

You get to pick this November .
The Democrats have done us a favor .
Like a poker player holding four aces in his hand and a loaded gun in his pocket , they ’ ve laid all their cards on the table .
They are for virtually decriminalizing same-sex pedophilia .
No , seriously .
Click here to read about the bill , which just passed in the California legislature .
It would free many same-sex molesters who abused kids of the duty to register as sex offenders .
Glance below to see Nancy Pelosi posing at a Pride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind that Kamala Harris , who could soon be a faint heartbeat from the Oval Office , refused to prosecute pedophile priests as San Francisco D.A .
Not even those who trash and burn police stations , private businesses , and whole neighborhoods .
Mayor after mayor in blue city after blue city has left Antifa and BLM rioters out of jail without any bail , to get on planes and go trash other cities .
And in some cases kill people .
Where local officials demanded bail , Joe Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to imprison Americans who defend themselves from rioters as guilty of first-degree murder .
They ’ re for Abortion Right Up Through and Even After Birth .
In lockstep with other Democrats , Kamala Harris voted that children who survive abortion attempts may be killed or left to die .
And that party intends to make us taxpayers pay for this cruel procedure .
Nancy Pelosi , who claimed that “ as a Catholic ” abortion “ rights ” are “ sacred ” to her , promised to hack out the Hyde @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party ’ s Policies Help Produce a Different Kind of Citizen But issues are so … abstract .
In the long run , we vote for people .
Just as God wouldn ’ t mean much to most of us if He hadn ’ t become incarnate — Julian the Apostate couldn ’ t sell Solar Monotheism — we need political choices to take on flesh and bone .
In one sense this election is between Joe Biden and Donald Trump .
And about the thousands of people whom they and their teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Supreme Court to FBI director , from the Education Department to the Bureau of Veteran Affairs .
But in another sense it ’ s not .
Trump is pretty old , and Biden ’ s practically senile .
Neither one in himself incarnates America ’ s future , the kind of person our nation hopes to produce , which its policies would reward or punish .
So maybe we ought to look to instead to younger people .
To those who in their lives and choices sum up the difference between our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as emblems .
Each marks one path our nation could follow , as it approaches this crossroad .
Each is a young man from the Midwest .
WBAY in Wisconsin offers a picture of this young Biden supporter and “ peaceful protester ” : A Neenah man had a flamethrower , smoke grenades and fireworks during a demonstration in Green Bay Saturday night , according to police and prosecutors .
Matthew Banta , 23 , is charged with obstructing an officer and two counts of felony bail jumping .
The criminal complaint says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent Antifa member who incites violence in otherwise relatively peaceful protests.
” Police say he ’ s known as “ Commander Red.
” A responding officer says he saw four individuals walking towards a protest with baseball bats .
One man was wearing a metal helmet with goggles and military-style gear with multiple pouches , and was carrying an Antifa flag .
When the officer pulled his squad car in front of the group , they ran away .
The officer caught Banta , who was carrying the flag , and says Banta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began crying.
” He accused the officer of lying on him ; the officer replied nobody was on him .
There ’ s your Biden man , in a nutshell .
This is the kind of person whom Democrat mayors have been turning loose nationwide .
He perfectly embodies the “ cry-bully ” character type that the left has been cultivating on campuses nationwide .
For starters by labeling conservative or Christian claims that students find challenging as “ violent ” or “ micro-aggressions ” that make the poor dears “ feel unsafe.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ little snowflakes to take up arms and “ punch a Nazi , ” which they define as anyone who supports President Trump .
Do that for long enough , you get a country full of little would-be arsonists , who curl up in fetal balls and cry when police take their flamethrowers .
I ’ ve written about Kyle Rittenhouse here before .
If you still subject yourself to the MSM , you probably have heard that he is a member of a “ white supremacist militia ” who “ opened fire on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why he ’ s in jail charged with first degree murder .
None of that has any truth in it , especially not those charges .
In fact , Kyle Rittenhouse is something closer to the Good Samaritan in the Gospel , who saw a man victimized by thieves and went to help him , while Levites and Pharisees passed by .
Rittenhouse saw on TV the vicious assaults on business owners by rioters in the neighboring city , Kenosha .
So he went there to try to help .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding back rioters .
He literally wielded a fire-extinguisher ( not a flamethrower ) putting out fires they ’ d set .
As a volunteer EMT , he offered first-aid to injured protesters .
And he yes , held a rifle in whose use he ’ d become proficient , to discourage violent mobs from attacking people ’ s livelihoods — including a gas station some wanted to burn .
Had they succeeded , the inferno could have consumed an entire neighborhood .
Then several criminals , one of them a sex offender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun , another swung a skateboard at Kyle as he lay on the ground .
And Kyle kept his cool .
He shot his attackers , didn ’ t hit any bystanders , then marched up to try to surrender to the police .
You Get to Pick Do you want an America that churns out more young men like Kyle Rittenhouse ?
Or more men like Matthew Banta ?

You get to pick this November. The Democrats have done us a favor. Like a poker player holding four aces in his hand and a loaded gun in his pocket, they’ve laid all their cards on the table.
They are for virtually decriminalizing same-sex pedophilia.
No, seriously. Click here to read about the bill, which just passed in the California legislature. It would free many same-sex molesters who abused kids of the duty to register as sex offenders. Glance below to see Nancy Pelosi posing at a Pride march with its sponsor. Keep in mind that Kamala Harris, who could soon be a faint heartbeat from the Oval Office, refused to prosecute pedophile priests as San Francisco D.A.
The Rev. Nancy Pelosi, S.J., and sponsor of the bill at SF Pride. https://t.co/QXK3ER83dB pic.twitter.com/xMTcaZfZD9 — Joseph Sciambra @ The Sons of St. Joseph (@sonsofstjoseph) September 2, 2020
They Refuse to Prosecute Rioters.
Not even those who trash and burn police stations, private businesses, and whole neighborhoods. Mayor after mayor in blue city after blue city has left Antifa and BLM rioters out of jail without any bail, to get on planes and go trash other cities. And in some cases kill people. Where local officials demanded bail, Joe Biden’s campaign staff posted it. But Democrats want to imprison Americans who defend themselves from rioters as guilty of first-degree murder.
They’re for Abortion Right Up Through and Even After Birth.
In lockstep with other Democrats, Kamala Harris voted that children who survive abortion attempts may be killed or left to die. And that party intends to make us taxpayers pay for this cruel procedure. Nancy Pelosi, who claimed that “as a Catholic” abortion “rights” are “sacred” to her, promised to hack out the Hyde Amendment in all future budgets.
Each Party’s Policies Help Produce a Different Kind of Citizen
But issues are so … abstract. In the long run, we vote for people. Just as God wouldn’t mean much to most of us if He hadn’t become incarnate — Julian the Apostate couldn’t sell Solar Monotheism — we need political choices to take on flesh and bone.
In one sense this election is between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. And about the thousands of people whom they and their teams will choose to appoint, from the U.S. Supreme Court to FBI director, from the Education Department to the Bureau of Veteran Affairs. But in another sense it’s not. Trump is pretty old, and Biden’s practically senile. Neither one in himself incarnates America’s future, the kind of person our nation hopes to produce, which its policies would reward or punish.
Liberal pundits have been encouraging young snowflakes to take up arms and “punch a Nazi,” which they define as anyone who supports President Trump. Do that for long enough, you get a country full of little would-be arsonists, who curl up in fetal balls and cry when police take their flamethrowers.
So maybe we ought to look to instead to younger people. To those who in their lives and choices sum up the difference between our political parties. Let these people serve as emblems. Each marks one path our nation could follow, as it approaches this crossroad. Each is a young man from the Midwest.
Antifa Soldier Matthew Banta, 23.
WBAY in Wisconsin offers a picture of this young Biden supporter and “peaceful protester”:
A Neenah man had a flamethrower, smoke grenades and fireworks during a demonstration in Green Bay Saturday night, according to police and prosecutors. Matthew Banta, 23, is charged with obstructing an officer and two counts of felony bail jumping. The criminal complaint says Banta “is known to be a violent Antifa member who incites violence in otherwise relatively peaceful protests.” Police say he’s known as “Commander Red.” … A responding officer says he saw four individuals walking towards a protest with baseball bats. One man was wearing a metal helmet with goggles and military-style gear with multiple pouches, and was carrying an Antifa flag. When the officer pulled his squad car in front of the group, they ran away. The officer caught Banta, who was carrying the flag, and says Banta “dropped into the fetal position and began crying.” He accused the officer of lying on him; the officer replied nobody was on him.
There’s your Biden man, in a nutshell. This is the kind of person whom Democrat mayors have been turning loose nationwide. He perfectly embodies the “cry-bully” character type that the left has been cultivating on campuses nationwide. For starters by labeling conservative or Christian claims that students find challenging as “violent” or “micro-aggressions” that make the poor dears “feel unsafe.” Liberal pundits have been encouraging these little snowflakes to take up arms and “punch a Nazi,” which they define as anyone who supports President Trump. Do that for long enough, you get a country full of little would-be arsonists, who curl up in fetal balls and cry when police take their flamethrowers.
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Good Samaritan Kyle Rittenhouse, 17
I’ve written about Kyle Rittenhouse here before. If you still subject yourself to the MSM, you probably have heard that he is a member of a “white supremacist militia” who “opened fire on peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters.” That’s why he’s in jail charged with first degree murder. None of that has any truth in it, especially not those charges.
In fact, Kyle Rittenhouse is something closer to the Good Samaritan in the Gospel, who saw a man victimized by thieves and went to help him, while Levites and Pharisees passed by. Rittenhouse saw on TV the vicious assaults on business owners by rioters in the neighboring city, Kenosha. So he went there to try to help. He joined up with other citizens who were holding back rioters. He literally wielded a fire-extinguisher (not a flamethrower) putting out fires they’d set. As a volunteer EMT, he offered first-aid to injured protesters.
And he yes, held a rifle in whose use he’d become proficient, to discourage violent mobs from attacking people’s livelihoods — including a gas station some wanted to burn. Had they succeeded, the inferno could have consumed an entire neighborhood.
Then several criminals, one of them a sex offender, charged him. One fired a gun, another swung a skateboard at Kyle as he lay on the ground. And Kyle kept his cool. He shot his attackers, didn’t hit any bystanders, then marched up to try to surrender to the police.
You Get to Pick
Do you want an America that churns out more young men like Kyle Rittenhouse? Or more men like Matthew Banta?
Vote accordingly.


thestream--2020-09-03--Biden as Unethical or Incompetent: Quick Correction

I went for a long walk this morning — a great way to clear the mind — and I realized I was wrong in my recent article on Joe Biden .
I said there were three logically possible reasons a man in his position might not actively call on local leaders to arrest violent protestors .
There ’ s a fourth , actually : He might think that it would be strategically counterproductive ; that it would make things worse , not better .
My conclusion in the end will be the same : He doesn ’ t have what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path to that conclusion goes through interesting steps , though .
I don ’ t see a way to address it without looking at the larger question : Why has he been so slow to urge the ( ahem ) “ mostly peaceful protestors ” to make themselves totally peaceful protestors ?
Why haven ’ t any Democratic leaders done that ?
Now , here ’ s where that fourth option gets interesting : It ’ s a perfect fit for Donald Trump .
He could try to make a firm , value-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could happen is they ’ d laugh , saying he “ has no values.
” ( That ’ s speaking from their perspective , now ) .
Worse , though , there ’ s a good chance they ’ d erupt in even more violence , because in their minds , he personifies everything they ’ re angry at .
Strategically , then , it ’ s not something I ’ d advise Trump to do .
What about Biden , though ?
If Trump personifies what they ’ re angry about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s not at all likely his appeal to them would make things worse .
Sure , there ’ s no guarantee that protestors would listen and respond to him ; but there ’ s no reason not to try , either .
It might actually help .
There ’ s one good way to find out , but no Democratic leader has tried it .
In fact , from the days following Trump ’ s election , Democrats have steadfastly refused to say anything .
That ’ s why I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they want the violence to go on .
Maybe that ’ s true of Biden , too , but I still lean more toward the other theory : that he ’ s powerless to act .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the recently released Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

I went for a long walk this morning — a great way to clear the mind — and I realized I was wrong in my recent article on Joe Biden. I said there were three logically possible reasons a man in his position might not actively call on local leaders to arrest violent protestors. There’s a fourth, actually: He might think that it would be strategically counterproductive; that it would make things worse, not better.
My conclusion in the end will be the same: He doesn’t have what it takes to be president. The path to that conclusion goes through interesting steps, though. I don’t see a way to address it without looking at the larger question: Why has he been so slow to urge the (ahem) “mostly peaceful protestors” to make themselves totally peaceful protestors? Why haven’t any Democratic leaders done that?
Now, here’s where that fourth option gets interesting: It’s a perfect fit for Donald Trump. He could try to make a firm, value-based call to protestors, but the best that could happen is they’d laugh, saying he “has no values.” (That’s speaking from their perspective, now). Worse, though, there’s a good chance they’d erupt in even more violence, because in their minds, he personifies everything they’re angry at. Strategically, then, it’s not something I’d advise Trump to do.
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What about Biden, though? If Trump personifies what they’re angry about, then Biden must represent the opposite. It’s not at all likely his appeal to them would make things worse. Sure, there’s no guarantee that protestors would listen and respond to him; but there’s no reason not to try, either. It might actually help. There’s one good way to find out, but no Democratic leader has tried it.
In fact, from the days following Trump’s election, Democrats have steadfastly refused to say anything. That’s why I said last time they’re acting like they want the violence to go on. Maybe that’s true of Biden, too, but I still lean more toward the other theory: that he’s powerless to act.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the recently released Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


thestream--2020-09-03--Nancy Pelosi on Nancy Pelosi’s Hair Salon Visit

On Wednesday The Stream published a news item written by Nancy Flory about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s flouting the law to have her hair done in San Francisco .
Here we repeat that article verbatim , but with commentary this time : Not our own , but Pelosi ’ s : quotes from other contexts that we think shed light on her style .
( Pardon the pun . )
The owner of eSalon in San Francisco , Calif. , said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used her salon Monday to get a wash and blow-out , even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to coronavirus restrictions .
Pelosi can be seen on a security camera walking through the salon with wet hair .
She was not wearing a mask .
Erica Kious told Fox News Tuesday that independent stylists were renting chairs in her salon .
“ One of the stylists who rents a chair from me contacted me Sunday night.
” The stylist sent Kious a text that said , “ I ’ ll be there at 2:45 tomorrow .
Pelosi assistant just messaged me to do her hair.
” Kious replied , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are you kidding me right now ?
Do I let this happen ?
What do I do ?
” She explained that she can ’ t control what her stylists do .
But she does consider Pelosi ’ s actions a double standard .
“ It was a slap in the face that she went in , you know , that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff done while no one else can go in , and I can ’ t work , ” Kious said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t believe ” the speaker wasn ’ t wearing a mask .
She said it was “ disturbing.
” In addition , local rules state that hair salons can ’ t “ blow dry hair , ” because of safety issues with the virus .
“ We have been shut down for so long , not just me , but most of the small businesses and I just can ’ t — it ’ s a feeling — a feeling of being deflated , helpless and honestly beaten down.
” Kious worked 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been fighting for six months to reopen it .
“ I am a single mom , I have two small children , and I have no income .
… The fact that they did this , and she came in , it ’ s like a slap in the face.
” Right : Not Above the Law .
Salons in San Francisco were notified that they could reopen September 1 for services to be performed outside only .
Kious could not reopen her business because her salon uses chemicals and using chemicals outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everybody , ” she said .
“ I am sharing this because of what everyone in my industry , and my city , what every small business is going through right now.
” Although Kious received a $ 12,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan because of coronavirus , she will still be forced to close her salon permanently .
“ No one can last anymore .
I have also lost 60 percent of my clientele because everyone is fleeing the city.
” Yes , Her Priorities are Clear Other shops in her area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storefront is completely vacant and shut down and boarded up .
… And because of the shutdown , and the store closures , we ’ ve lost people , my clients , and my employees , and that is due to the politics in San Francisco.
” She went on to say that the homeless population is all over and defecating everywhere .
“ It has gotten so extreme .
It is so night and day from what it was a year ago that everyone is fleeing.
” Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the recently released Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

On Wednesday The Stream published a news item written by Nancy Flory about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s flouting the law to have her hair done in San Francisco. Here we repeat that article verbatim, but with commentary this time: Not our own, but Pelosi’s: quotes from other contexts that we think shed light on her style. (Pardon the pun.)
The owner of eSalon in San Francisco, Calif., said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used her salon Monday to get a wash and blow-out, even though the shop has been closed for months due to coronavirus restrictions.
Pelosi can be seen on a security camera walking through the salon with wet hair. She was not wearing a mask.
Nancy Pelosi: “To reiterate, the chair views the failure to wear a mask as a serious breach of decorum.”
Erica Kious told Fox News Tuesday that independent stylists were renting chairs in her salon. “One of the stylists who rents a chair from me contacted me Sunday night.” The stylist sent Kious a text that said, “I’ll be there at 2:45 tomorrow. Pelosi assistant just messaged me to do her hair.” Kious replied, “Pelosi?”
Nancy Pelosi: “We are not taking no for an answer.”
“I was like, are you kidding me right now? Do I let this happen? What do I do?” She explained that she can’t control what her stylists do. But she does consider Pelosi’s actions a double standard.
Nancy Pelosi: “The Democrats intend to lead the most honest, most open and most ethical Congress in history.”
A “Slap in the Face”
“It was a slap in the face that she went in, you know, that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff done while no one else can go in, and I can’t work,” Kious said. She added that she “can’t believe” the speaker wasn’t wearing a mask. She said it was “disturbing.”
Nancy Pelosi: “In terms of my situation, I kept my distance. I said to them we all have to be six feet apart and I kept my distance from all the members.”
In addition, local rules state that hair salons can’t “blow dry hair,” because of safety issues with the virus. “We have been shut down for so long, not just me, but most of the small businesses and I just can’t — it’s a feeling — a feeling of being deflated, helpless and honestly beaten down.”
Nancy Pelosi: “I really want women to know their power, to value their experience. To understand that nothing has been more wholesome in the political process than the increased involvement of women.”
Kious worked 12 years to build her business and has been fighting for six months to reopen it. “I am a single mom, I have two small children, and I have no income. … The fact that they did this, and she came in, it’s like a slap in the face.”
Nancy Pelosi: “Let’s just do what is right for the American people. And those of us who are involved in politics and government know that our responsibility is to the American people.”
Right: Not Above the Law.
Salons in San Francisco were notified that they could reopen September 1 for services to be performed outside only. Kious could not reopen her business because her salon uses chemicals and using chemicals outside is not allowed.
Nancy Pelosi: “The President is not above the law.”
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“This is for everybody,” she said. “I am sharing this because of what everyone in my industry, and my city, what every small business is going through right now.”
Nancy Pelosi: “I think that is wrong, I think it’s beneath the dignity of the office, and I don’t think that it plays that well, I hope that it doesn’t.”
Although Kious received a $12,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan because of coronavirus, she will still be forced to close her salon permanently.
Nancy Pelosi: “With Americans worried about losing their jobs, their savings, their homes and their chance at the American Dream, the New Direction Congress will work in a bipartisan way to lift our economy and help America’s middle class.”
“No one can last anymore. I have also lost 60 percent of my clientele because everyone is fleeing the city.”
Nancy Pelosi: “We are fighting for the middle class!”
Yes, Her Priorities are Clear
Other shops in her area are closing too. “Every other storefront is completely vacant and shut down and boarded up. … And because of the shutdown, and the store closures, we’ve lost people, my clients, and my employees, and that is due to the politics in San Francisco.” She went on to say that the homeless population is all over and defecating everywhere.
Nancy Pelosi: “Democratic priorities remain clear: to provide a tax cut for working families, to promote policies that produce jobs and economic growth, and to assist millions of our fellow Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.”
“It has gotten so extreme. It is so night and day from what it was a year ago that everyone is fleeing.”
Nancy Pelosi: “I have deep emotions about the American people. If I were to cry for anything, I would cry for them and the policies that they’re about to face.”
(Pelosi quotes found at these sources.)
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the recently released Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-09-03--California Legislature Softens Sex Offender Registry Requirements for Sodomy With Minors

The California legislature passed a law late Monday relaxing sex offender registry requirements for sodomy and other acts with minors in efforts to end “ discrimination against LGBTQ young people on the sex offender registry , ” according to the bill ’ s sponsor .
Democratic California state Sen. Scott Weiner , a gay politician who represents San Francisco , first introduced SB 145 in January 2019 .
The bill “ would exempt from mandatory registration under the act a person convicted of certain offenses involving minors if the person is not more than 10 years older than the minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one requiring the person to register , ” according to the text of the legislation .
Under the new bill , which has not been signed into law by Gov .
Gavin Newsom , adults less than 10 years older than the minor who are convicted of having anal or oral sex with that minor would not automatically be added to the sex-offender registry , the San Fransisco Chronicle reported .
Current California law requires that adults must register as sex offenders if they are convicted of having anal or oral sex with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide whether to place an adult male not more than 10 years older than the minor on the registry if he has vaginal intercourse with a teenaged girl , according to the Chronicle .
In 2015 , the California Supreme Court argued that vaginal intercourse can lead to pregnancy and that requiring a father to register as a sex offender may inhibit his ability to support his child and find a job through social stigmatization , according to the Chronicle .
SB 145 passed the California Assembly by a bare minimum vote of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate , the Chronicle reported , though some lawmakers raised concerns that the bill allows for mistreatment of minors .
“ I can not in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual , how it could ever not be a registrable offense , ” Democratic California state Rep. Lorena Gonzalez said , according to the Chronicle .
“ We should never give up on this idea that children should be in no way subject to a predator.
” Though minors can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wiener ’ s bill would allow a judge to decide whether or not to place an adult on the sex-offender registry if a teenager between the ages of 14 to 17 had sex with that adult .
“ SB 145 ends discrimination against # LGBTQ young people on the sex offender registry , ” Weiner said in a Tuesday tweet .
“ Currently , these youth are forced onto the registry for consensual sex — even if a judge doesn ’ t think it ’ s appropriate — in situations where straight youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Wiener did not immediately respond to a request for comment from 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 licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The California legislature passed a law late Monday relaxing sex offender registry requirements for sodomy and other acts with minors in efforts to end “discrimination against LGBTQ young people on the sex offender registry,” according to the bill’s sponsor.
Democratic California state Sen. Scott Weiner, a gay politician who represents San Francisco, first introduced SB 145 in January 2019. The bill “would exempt from mandatory registration under the act a person convicted of certain offenses involving minors if the person is not more than 10 years older than the minor and if that offense is the only one requiring the person to register,” according to the text of the legislation.
Under the new bill, which has not been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, adults less than 10 years older than the minor who are convicted of having anal or oral sex with that minor would not automatically be added to the sex-offender registry, the San Fransisco Chronicle reported.
Current California law requires that adults must register as sex offenders if they are convicted of having anal or oral sex with a minor, though a judge may decide whether to place an adult male not more than 10 years older than the minor on the registry if he has vaginal intercourse with a teenaged girl, according to the Chronicle.
6. #SB145 ends discrimination against #LGBTQ young people on the sex offender registry. Currently, these youth are forced onto the registry for consensual sex — even if a judge doesn’t think it’s appropriate — in situations where straight youth are not. https://t.co/vjLVet0psI — Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) September 1, 2020
In 2015, the California Supreme Court argued that vaginal intercourse can lead to pregnancy and that requiring a father to register as a sex offender may inhibit his ability to support his child and find a job through social stigmatization, according to the Chronicle.
SB 145 passed the California Assembly by a bare minimum vote of 41-18 before passing 23-10 in the state Senate, the Chronicle reported, though some lawmakers raised concerns that the bill allows for mistreatment of minors.
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“I cannot in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual, how it could ever not be a registrable offense,” Democratic California state Rep. Lorena Gonzalez said, according to the Chronicle. “We should never give up on this idea that children should be in no way subject to a predator.”
Though minors cannot legally consent to sex in California, Wiener’s bill would allow a judge to decide whether or not to place an adult on the sex-offender registry if a teenager between the ages of 14 to 17 had sex with that adult.
“SB 145 ends discrimination against #LGBTQ young people on the sex offender registry,” Weiner said in a Tuesday tweet. “Currently, these youth are forced onto the registry for consensual sex — even if a judge doesn’t think it’s appropriate — in situations where straight youth are not. This discrimination destroys lives.”
Wiener did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-09-03--Military Photo of the Day: An M-1 Abrams Tank Lets Loose During Exercises in Romania

U.S. Army soldiers participate in an M-1 Abrams tank live fire exercise on August 25 , 2020 in Smardan , @ @ @ @ @ these soldiers for serving our country overseas .

U.S. Army soldiers participate in an M-1 Abrams tank live fire exercise on August 25, 2020 in Smardan, Romania.
Thank you to these soldiers for serving our country overseas.
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