thestream--2020-05-13--Have the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation Been Opened?

The same , unusual subject came up three times on the same day , this past Monday , May 11 .
Was God sending a message to me about the end of the world , taken straight from the pages of the Book of Revelation ?
Three References in One Day to the First of Seven Seals , the Four Horsemen First , a caller to my radio show asked if we might be in the first phase of the breaking of the seven seals in the Book of Revelation and therefore in the beginning of “ the tribulation.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my cell phone asking what he should make of a respected Christian leader in another country telling him that the first of the seven seals was being opened ?
Then , I spotted this headline featured on Drudge Report : “ ‘ Four Horsemen are ACTIVE ’ Bible scholars claim Book of Revelation seals broken… ” As the article , since removed , explained , “ Bible scholars have sensationally claimed the end of the world could be upon us as they believe the Four Horsemen , who bring about death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return of Jesus Christ in the holy book , have all been released.
” What are we to make of these questions and claims ?
And what of the statements of these “ Bible scholars ” ?
Not surprisingly , the article that claimed the support of biblical scholars was published in the UK ’ s Express , known for its sometimes sensationalistic reporting .
As for the scholars , the article quoted none .
Instead , it referenced a 2005 article by a non-scholar and then — I kid you not — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So much for the notion that “ Bible scholars have sensationally claimed the end of the world could be upon us.
” The only thing sensational was the headline , followed by the article itself .
“ But , ” someone might say , “ what about Revelation ?
What does it say ?
” What Does Revelation Say About the Four Horsemen ?
How about we take look ?
For argument ’ s sake , we ’ ll agree that that these prophecies are still for the future ( rather than being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll agree that these prophecies refer to literal events that will unfold on the earth .
Let ’ s examine each of the four horsemen .
Revelation 6 begins with these words : “ I watched as the Lamb [ meaning Jesus ] opened the first of the seven seals .
Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder , ‘ Come !
’ I looked , and there before me was a white horse !
Its rider held a bow , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest ” ( Revelation 6:1–2 , NIV ) .
Where , pray tell , is this world-conquering figure ?
And how has he emerged since the pandemic began ?
The text continues , “ When the Lamb opened the second seal , I heard the second living creature say , ‘ Come !
’ Then another horse came out , a fiery red one .
Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other .
To him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Revelation 6:3–4 , NIV ) .
How , pray tell , has peace been taken from the earth ?
And are people killing each more today than during World War II ?
Or World War I ?
Or , here in America , during the Civil War ?
Back to Revelation : “ When the Lamb broke the third seal , I heard the third living being say , ‘ Come !
’ I looked up and saw a black horse , and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from among the four living beings say , ‘ A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day ’ s pay .
And don ’ t waste the olive oil and wine.
’ ” ( Revelation 6:5–6 , NLT ) Could it be that massive famine will overtake the entire world because of the financial meltdown ?
It ’ s possible , but we are nowhere near that now .
As for the fact that many more people face potential starvation because of the pandemic , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardly what is described here .
We ’ re now up to strike three .
But since there are four horsemen , let ’ s give it one more shot .
“ When the Lamb opened the fourth seal , I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say , ‘ Come !
’ I looked , and there before me was a pale horse !
Its rider was named Death , and Hades was following close behind him .
They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by the wild beasts of the earth ” ( Revelation 6:7–8 , NIV ) .
A fourth of the earth , at present , would amount to almost two billion people , whereas the pandemic has taken less than 300,000 lives .
This represents .00015 percent of that number .
The End of the World Will Be Self-Evident That ’ s why I tweeted this later that same day ( Monday ) : “ A caller today wanted to know if we might be experiencing the divine judgments of the seven seals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tribulation.
’ I told her that when that time comes , she won ’ t need to call into my show to ask.
” That also means that , if the Christian leader who called my friend is right and the first of the seven seals has been opened , things will change in front of our eyes more quickly and dramatically than we can imagine .
Will that happen ?
We shall see .
But I can say without hesitation it is not happening yet .
On March 2 , I wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Is the Coronavirus an End-Time Biblical Plague ?
” ( This has been expanded into a full chapter in my new book When the World Stops : Words of Hope , Faith , and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis . )
My answer then was no .
My answer remains the same today .
This is not to minimize the very real suffering caused by the pandemic .
Nor is it to minimize end-time Bible prophecy .
Quite the opposite .
My goal is simply to put things in proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet reached the end of the world .
When we get to that point in time , we won ’ t need an article in the Express to let us know .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is When the World Stops : Words of Faith , Hope , and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis .
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

The same, unusual subject came up three times on the same day, this past Monday, May 11. Was God sending a message to me about the end of the world, taken straight from the pages of the Book of Revelation?
Three References in One Day to the First of Seven Seals, the Four Horsemen
First, a caller to my radio show asked if we might be in the first phase of the breaking of the seven seals in the Book of Revelation and therefore in the beginning of “the tribulation.”
Then, a friend left a message on my cell phone asking what he should make of a respected Christian leader in another country telling him that the first of the seven seals was being opened?
Then, I spotted this headline featured on Drudge Report: “‘Four Horsemen are ACTIVE’ Bible scholars claim Book of Revelation seals broken…” As the article, since removed, explained, “Bible scholars have sensationally claimed the end of the world could be upon us as they believe the Four Horsemen, who bring about death, war, famine and disease before the return of Jesus Christ in the holy book, have all been released.”
What are we to make of these questions and claims? And what of the statements of these “Bible scholars”?
Not surprisingly, the article that claimed the support of biblical scholars was published in the UK’s Express, known for its sometimes sensationalistic reporting.
As for the scholars, the article quoted none. Instead, it referenced a 2005 article by a non-scholar and then — I kid you not — the article cited a twitter user. So much for the notion that “Bible scholars have sensationally claimed the end of the world could be upon us.”
The only thing sensational was the headline, followed by the article itself.
“But,” someone might say, “what about Revelation? What does it say?”
What Does Revelation Say About the Four Horsemen?
How about we take look?
For argument’s sake, we’ll agree that that these prophecies are still for the future (rather than being symbolic of past events). And we’ll agree that these prophecies refer to literal events that will unfold on the earth.
Let’s examine each of the four horsemen.
Horseman 1
Revelation 6 begins with these words: “I watched as the Lamb [meaning Jesus] opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, ‘Come!’ I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest” (Revelation 6:1–2, NIV).
Where, pray tell, is this world-conquering figure? And how has he emerged since the pandemic began?
Let’s call this strike one.
Horseman 2
The text continues, “When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, ‘Come!’ Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword” (Revelation 6:3–4, NIV).
How, pray tell, has peace been taken from the earth? And are people killing each more today than during World War II? Or World War I? Or, here in America, during the Civil War?
Strike two.
Horseman 3
Back to Revelation: “When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, ‘Come!’ I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, ‘A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.’” (Revelation 6:5–6, NLT)
Could it be that massive famine will overtake the entire world because of the financial meltdown? It’s possible, but we are nowhere near that now. As for the fact that many more people face potential starvation because of the pandemic, that is a tragic reality. But it is hardly what is described here.
We’re now up to strike three. But since there are four horsemen, let’s give it one more shot.
Horseman 4
“When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, ‘Come!’ I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth” (Revelation 6:7–8, NIV).
A fourth of the earth, at present, would amount to almost two billion people, whereas the pandemic has taken less than 300,000 lives. This represents .00015 percent of that number.
Call this strike four.
The End of the World Will Be Self-Evident
That’s why I tweeted this later that same day (Monday): “A caller today wanted to know if we might be experiencing the divine judgments of the seven seals in Revelation and therefore ‘in the tribulation.’ I told her that when that time comes, she won’t need to call into my show to ask.”
That also means that, if the Christian leader who called my friend is right and the first of the seven seals has been opened, things will change in front of our eyes more quickly and dramatically than we can imagine.
Will that happen? We shall see. But I can say without hesitation it is not happening yet.
On March 2, I wrote my first article on COVID-19, titled, “Is the Coronavirus an End-Time Biblical Plague?” (This has been expanded into a full chapter in my new book When the World Stops: Words of Hope, Faith, and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis.)
My answer then was no. My answer remains the same today.
This is not to minimize the very real suffering caused by the pandemic. Nor is it to minimize end-time Bible prophecy. Quite the opposite. My goal is simply to put things in proper perspective.
In short, we have not yet reached the end of the world. When we get to that point in time, we won’t need an article in the Express to let us know.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is When the World Stops: Words of Faith, Hope, and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-05-13--Civil Disobedience: Are You Ready to be Thrown to the Lions?

Many politicians , police officers , judges and officials would be shocked to hear that the American government isn ’ t the supreme authority in the nation .
In fact , they would scoff at the higher ranking government they must yield to : the church .
God ’ s government is based on the Word of God .
It ’ s legislated through the church .
It ’ s positioned higher than any other government , court room or human establishment on earth .
Simply , if a human order , law or mandate violates orders , laws or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins .
God reigns supreme .
When there is no conflict between man-made and spiritual ordinances , it ’ s right and expected to obey the laws of the land .
Doing so helps establish integrity and promote humility as we intermix with the world .
However , there comes a point when civil disobedience is not only suggested but required if we are to respond obediently to the Lord .
The Lord is the highest power , the greatest governmental leader the world will ever know .
A 30-day lockdown was enacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forbidden .
Petitions and permissions could only be received from the lawmaker , the king .
Daniel understood this was unquestionably the time for civil disobedience , and he also understood the consequences .
His thrice daily prayer continued .
Daniel famously was instrumental in the establishment of this tyrannical government when he interpreted the handwriting on the wall for the previous ruler , King Belshazzar .
Daniel rebuked the king for dishonoring God , just as his father had .
Where are the prophetic leaders today who are confronting today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s time for God ’ s people to arise and to renounce the wickedness that ’ s poisoning our nation and attempting to neuter the church .
Daniel went on to interpret King Belshazzar ’ s supernatural encounter by revealing an end to the kingdom .
It would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians .
That very night the king was killed and the kingdom was given over as prophesied .
Now , Daniel had to deal with the new ruler who was forbidding his intercession .
Once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courageously and speedily than so many in the church when liberties are threatened .
Many Christians have been exposed as having dimmed and dulled discernment as they have surrendered their religious rights for the promise of health and safety .
But we see bold if not brash patriots standing in solidarity with a 77-year-old man who was simply trying to earn a living .
Where are those who will stand up for the church ?
We are closer to going underground then any of us realize .
It ’ s because of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary sacrifices to ensure religious freedom remains .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
I want to make it very clear : church leaders have every right to choose to forgo services , prayer meetings and other events if they deem it necessary based on their own unique situation .
What is not allowed is a lower ranking government attempting to trump the greater authority , the Word of God .
Mayors and governors have no right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayer meetings and other church gatherings .
Many are arrogantly demanding the church petitions only them .
The idea that Scripture has any authority in today ’ s crisis is laughable to them .
They have determined nobody else would dictate how the church should function .
Not Christians , not pastors , not the Bible , not even God .
The truth is , the church isn ’ t the only organization that outranks the United States government .
The Constitution of the United States outranks local , state and federal governmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rulings that contradict that document ) .
The Constitution is clearly on the side of religious liberty .
The case for civil disobedience can be made .
The resistance should be done in an honoring , humble and appropriate manner .
It shouldn ’ t be fueled by anger or malice .
As Believers in Jesus Christ , we must be driven by a resolve to honor God in the midst of unrighteous demands of society .
Get Ready for the Lions We all must be prepared to face the repercussions of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wills in the face of resistance .
We ’ ve already seen both threats and action brought by ungodly mayors , governors and political leaders .
This includes filling skate parks with sand , arresting pastors , placing moms in handcuffs for taking their children to the playground and requiring churches and businesses to report the names of patrons and ticketing church goers at a drive-in service .
If we don ’ t do something , it will get worse .
Much , much worse .
There will be a national taunting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ready both to face the lions and to stand in great faith as our God brings the accusers to shame .
A blameless people will reveal God ’ s miraculous saving power to a stunned nation .
As we refuse to stop praying , respond to worldly authorities with integrity and honor and remain willing to pay whatever price necessary to obey God rather than man , God will move in undeniable and miraculous power .
America will have no option but to take notice .
The very government officials that brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be instrumental in a sudden outbreak of revival in the nation .
The process may be severe , and we must be ready to face lions , giants and the hordes of hell .
But the resulting outpouring of God will make it all very much worth it .
John is a sought out teacher , prophetic messenger and revivalist .
He has authored ten books , is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine , and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer ( IHOP ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry .

Many politicians, police officers, judges and officials would be shocked to hear that the American government isn’t the supreme authority in the nation. In fact, they would scoff at the higher ranking government they must yield to: the church.
God’s government is based on the Word of God. It’s legislated through the church. It’s positioned higher than any other government, court room or human establishment on earth. Simply, if a human order, law or mandate violates orders, laws or mandates found in Scripture, the Bible wins. God reigns supreme.
When there is no conflict between man-made and spiritual ordinances, it’s right and expected to obey the laws of the land. Doing so helps establish integrity and promote humility as we intermix with the world. However, there comes a point when civil disobedience is not only suggested but required if we are to respond obediently to the Lord. The Lord is the highest power, the greatest governmental leader the world will ever know.
Lockdown: A Violation of Religious Freedom
Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, “O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” Daniel 6:12 (ESV)
A 30-day lockdown was enacted in the kingdom and religious freedom was forbidden. Petitions and permissions could only be received from the lawmaker, the king. Daniel understood this was unquestionably the time for civil disobedience, and he also understood the consequences. His thrice daily prayer continued.
Daniel famously was instrumental in the establishment of this tyrannical government when he interpreted the handwriting on the wall for the previous ruler, King Belshazzar.
And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored. Daniel 5:23 (ESV)
Daniel rebuked the king for dishonoring God, just as his father had. Where are the prophetic leaders today who are confronting today’s governmental officials in the same manner? It’s time for God’s people to arise and to renounce the wickedness that’s poisoning our nation and attempting to neuter the church.
Daniel went on to interpret King Belshazzar’s supernatural encounter by revealing an end to the kingdom. It would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. That very night the king was killed and the kingdom was given over as prophesied. Now, Daniel had to deal with the new ruler who was forbidding his intercession.
Civil Disobedience
Members of an armed Michigan militia say they will stand at the door of a barbershop in Owosso to protect the owner from being arrested for allegedly violating the state’s lockdown order. “We are here to make sure he doesn’t get arrested,” Daniel Brewer, a member of the militia, told local media on Saturday. “We’re willing to stand in front of that door and block the entrance so the police will have no entry there today.” — Washington Examiner
Once again the secular world is responding more courageously and speedily than so many in the church when liberties are threatened. Many Christians have been exposed as having dimmed and dulled discernment as they have surrendered their religious rights for the promise of health and safety. But we see bold if not brash patriots standing in solidarity with a 77-year-old man who was simply trying to earn a living. Where are those who will stand up for the church? We are closer to going underground then any of us realize. It’s because of a cowardly people who refuse to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure religious freedom remains.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I want to make it very clear: church leaders have every right to choose to forgo services, prayer meetings and other events if they deem it necessary based on their own unique situation. What is not allowed is a lower ranking government attempting to trump the greater authority, the Word of God. Mayors and governors have no right to mandate a ceasing or limiting of prayer meetings and other church gatherings. Many are arrogantly demanding the church petitions only them. The idea that Scripture has any authority in today’s crisis is laughable to them. They have determined nobody else would dictate how the church should function. Not Christians, not pastors, not the Bible, not even God.
The truth is, the church isn’t the only organization that outranks the United States government. The Constitution of the United States outranks local, state and federal governmental authority (when they attempt to establish rulings that contradict that document). The Constitution is clearly on the side of religious liberty. The case for civil disobedience can be made.
The resistance should be done in an honoring, humble and appropriate manner. It shouldn’t be fueled by anger or malice. As Believers in Jesus Christ, we must be driven by a resolve to honor God in the midst of unrighteous demands of society.
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:27-29 (ESV)
Get Ready for the Lions
We all must be prepared to face the repercussions of our actions. The government will do what it wills in the face of resistance. We’ve already seen both threats and action brought by ungodly mayors, governors and political leaders. This includes filling skate parks with sand, arresting pastors, placing moms in handcuffs for taking their children to the playground and requiring churches and businesses to report the names of patrons and ticketing church goers at a drive-in service. If we don’t do something, it will get worse. Much, much worse.
Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” Daniel 6:16 (ESV)
There will be a national taunting of Christians. We as Believers must be ready both to face the lions and to stand in great faith as our God brings the accusers to shame.
National Revival
Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” Daniel 6:19-22 (ESV)
A blameless people will reveal God’s miraculous saving power to a stunned nation. As we refuse to stop praying, respond to worldly authorities with integrity and honor and remain willing to pay whatever price necessary to obey God rather than man, God will move in undeniable and miraculous power. America will have no option but to take notice. The very government officials that brought the angst to God’s people will be instrumental in a sudden outbreak of revival in the nation. The process may be severe, and we must be ready to face lions, giants and the hordes of hell. But the resulting outpouring of God will make it all very much worth it.
Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:25-28 (ESV)
John is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. He has authored ten books, is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine, and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-05-13--These States Banned Religious Gatherings But Kept Liquor Stores Open

A number of states banned religious gatherings due to the coronavirus but have allowed liquor stores to remain open .
Governors in California , Alaska , Washington , Idaho , Montana , Minnesota , Illinois , New York and Vermont prohibited in person religious gatherings through stay-at-home orders implemented as the coronavirus took hold of the United States , data from the Pew Research Center shows .
Some of these states have since begun the process of reopening that loosens restrictions on religious gatherings .
But when governors initially banned religious gatherings , liquor stores remained opened in California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minnesota , Illinois , New York and Vermont .
Church goers in several of these states have fought against orders banning religious services : in California , pastors announced Thursday that they will not wait for phase three of the state ’ s reopening plan but will open on May 31 , according to the San Bernardino County Sun .
The pastors ’ announcement followed a Tuesday ruling from a California judge saying that Newsom has the right to ban church assemblies during the pandemic .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Some , like Republican Idaho state representative and senior pastor Tim Remington , say these orders violate First Amendment rights and continue to hold religious gatherings .
“ Do you understand that this is a gimmick ?
It ’ s a test , ” Remington said in an early April sermon .
“ I want to pass the test , so as for me and my house we ’ re going to serve the Lord.
” “ They ’ ve completely overstepped their bounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Caller News Foundation regarding decisions by the governors in these states to prohibit religious gatherings .
“ The governor should have no role.
” “ The idea of separation of church and state is something I was taught even as a child in public school system , ” Thompson said .
“ The whole purpose of separation of church and state is because we escaped tyranny .
We escaped a state run church .
And that was why we had the revolutionary war in the first place — escaping tyranny and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American experiment is to have religious liberty , ” he added .
“ And the whole idea of separation of church and state is that the state can ’ t run the church .
The state can ’ t tell the church what to do.
” Most of Washington ’ s alcohol sales are done in stores deemed essential for food , a spokeswoman for Democratic Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee , told the DCNF .
“ As you likely know , states across the U.S. had to put limits on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including funerals and weddings out of concern for spreading the virus and getting people sick and potentially killing them , ” spokeswoman Tara Lee told the DCNF .
“ We are not the only state that has done this.
” Lee noted that as of last week , Inslee opened up drive in religious services to help people “ worship while practicing physical distancing ” and that the state has offered accommodations for religious counseling since the beginning of the coronavirus stay-at-home orders .
Spokeswoman for Republican Idaho Gov .
Brad Little , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that large gatherings continue to be restricted under the Governor ’ s reopening plan .
But under Stage 1 of the plan , religious gatherings will not be restricted and place of worship may open “ if they adhere to strict physical distancing , sanitation protocol , and any CDC guidance , ” Hyer noted .
“ Governor Little has heard from many , many Idahoans concerned about the limitations on their right to practice their faith , ” she added .
“ While social gatherings will continue to be limited throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to the Governor to open up places of worship as early as responsibly possible , provided they follow strict physical distancing , sanitation protocol and other measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmissions among patrons.
” Erin Loranger , press secretary to Democratic Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock , noted to the DCNF that under new coronavirus guidance , in-person church services in Montana are operating at a reduced capacity in order to allow for social distancing between non-household members .
She did not respond to further request for comment regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores to remain open while religious gatherings were banned .
Democratic Vermont Gov .
Phil Scott ’ s stay-at-home order did not explicitly address either liquor stores or religious services though it did allow retail operations to continue under certain precautions , Communications Director Rebecca Kelley told the DCNF .
She emphasized that “ subsequent guidance ” has allowed for both virtual and drive-up religious services .
Democratic California Gov .
Gavin Newsom , Republican Alaska Gov .
Mike Dunleavy , Democratic Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz , Democratic Illinois Gov .
J @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo did not yet respond to requests for comment from the DCNF .
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 .

A number of states banned religious gatherings due to the coronavirus but have allowed liquor stores to remain open.
Governors in California, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Illinois, New York and Vermont prohibited in person religious gatherings through stay-at-home orders implemented as the coronavirus took hold of the United States, data from the Pew Research Center shows. Some of these states have since begun the process of reopening that loosens restrictions on religious gatherings.
But when governors initially banned religious gatherings, liquor stores remained opened in California, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Illinois, New York and Vermont.
Church goers in several of these states have fought against orders banning religious services: in California, pastors announced Thursday that they will not wait for phase three of the state’s reopening plan but will open on May 31, according to the San Bernardino County Sun.
The pastors’ announcement followed a Tuesday ruling from a California judge saying that Newsom has the right to ban church assemblies during the pandemic.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Some, like Republican Idaho state representative and senior pastor Tim Remington, say these orders violate First Amendment rights and continue to hold religious gatherings.
“Do you understand that this is a gimmick? It’s a test,” Remington said in an early April sermon. “I want to pass the test, so as for me and my house we’re going to serve the Lord.”
“They’ve completely overstepped their bounds,” California Pastor Tim Thompson told the Daily Caller News Foundation regarding decisions by the governors in these states to prohibit religious gatherings. “The governor should have no role.”
“The idea of separation of church and state is something I was taught even as a child in public school system,” Thompson said. “The whole purpose of separation of church and state is because we escaped tyranny. We escaped a state run church. And that was why we had the revolutionary war in the first place — escaping tyranny and religious persecution.”
“The whole purpose the American experiment is to have religious liberty,” he added. “And the whole idea of separation of church and state is that the state can’t run the church. The state can’t tell the church what to do.”
Washington
Most of Washington’s alcohol sales are done in stores deemed essential for food, a spokeswoman for Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, told the DCNF.
“As you likely know, states across the U.S. had to put limits on all sorts of social and religious activities — including funerals and weddings out of concern for spreading the virus and getting people sick and potentially killing them,” spokeswoman Tara Lee told the DCNF. “We are not the only state that has done this.”
Lee noted that as of last week, Inslee opened up drive in religious services to help people “worship while practicing physical distancing” and that the state has offered accommodations for religious counseling since the beginning of the coronavirus stay-at-home orders.
Idaho
Spokeswoman for Republican Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Marissa Morrison Hyer, informed the DCNF that large gatherings continue to be restricted under the Governor’s reopening plan.
But under Stage 1 of the plan, religious gatherings will not be restricted and place of worship may open “if they adhere to strict physical distancing, sanitation protocol, and any CDC guidance,” Hyer noted.
“Governor Little has heard from many, many Idahoans concerned about the limitations on their right to practice their faith,” she added.
“While social gatherings will continue to be limited throughout the four stages of reopening, it was important to the Governor to open up places of worship as early as responsibly possible, provided they follow strict physical distancing, sanitation protocol and other measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmissions among patrons.”
Montana
Erin Loranger, press secretary to Democratic Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, noted to the DCNF that under new coronavirus guidance, in-person church services in Montana are operating at a reduced capacity in order to allow for social distancing between non-household members.
She did not respond to further request for comment regarding Bullock’s previous order allowing liquor stores to remain open while religious gatherings were banned.
Vermont
Democratic Vermont Gov. Phil Scott’s stay-at-home order did not explicitly address either liquor stores or religious services though it did allow retail operations to continue under certain precautions, Communications Director Rebecca Kelley told the DCNF.
She emphasized that “subsequent guidance” has allowed for both virtual and drive-up religious services.
“The Governor never restricted religious freedom or banned religious services,” Kelley added.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Republican Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democratic Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker, and Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo did not yet respond to requests for comment from the DCNF.
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--2020-05-13--Short Takes for Deranged Times

Short Takes for Deranged Times

I need a vacation .
Not on a sandy beach or quiet ranch .
That would just stress me out .
What would really refresh me ?
A week or so in Manhattan , eating challah French toast in Ukrainian diners .
Strolling slowly through the Metropolitan Museum ’ s medieval collection .
Dodging traffic to hunt down Victorian stained glass windows in pristine , barely-used Episcopal churches .
Hunting down the best dim sum in Flushing , the freshest Huitlacoche in Long Island City .
That ’ s the kind of activity that relaxes me .
Plus most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or near there .
I ’ d love to drop by Eric Metaxas ’ actual bunker in person , and watch Impractical Jokers with my best friend since second grade , Anthony , recalling together our real-life pranks and our near-brushes with death and dismemberment .
But something tells me it ’ s not going to happen .
I wonder if in the wake of the lockdown , and under the thumb of its Sandinista mayor , New York City will ever recover .
Or if it ’ s headed back down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1960s through the early 90s .
That ’ s when the pro-crime party ran things .
( There ’ s no other way to characterize Republicans like Lindsey or Democrats like Dinkins .
Read the great Thomas Howard ’ s memoir of New York ’ s decline for a deeper analysis . )
As it is , glimpses of the city in our media increasingly look like outtakes from Taxi Driver and Joker .
The same policies , repeated , will produce the same result .
Only now there aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgruntled Jewish Democrats to elect another Giuliani .
Which suggests to me that New York will end up more like New Orleans , plus Wall Street .
And since that ’ s mostly run by computerized algorithms , don ’ t be shocked if it moves to Texas , eventually .
So my geographical recharger is out of order .
My spiritual battery ’ s locked away behind the shuttered gates of my local church .
Occasionally I ’ ll drive by to feel , at 100 feet distance , the Eucharist ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t quite do the job .
If you ’ ll pardon me , then , instead of the considered column I lack the vim and vigor to craft today , I present some “ short takes ” on different aspects of the current global crisis .
Some were columns that petered out into Tweets .
Others are self-contained insights that I hope either assuage your anxieties or send you racing off to picket at the governor ’ s mansion or practice at the gun range .
Either way is good with me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t bored… .
After weeks of media heat , much of it stoked right here at The Stream , New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has admitted he ’ s wrong .
No , not explicitly of course .
He ’ s above such petty humility or common decency .
But Cuomo has reversed his deadly policy of dumping virus patients on nursing homes .
Something was off with the optics of protecting the jellyfish at Jones Beach while infecting Korean war vets in locked nursing homes .
And bantering with his brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mom Matilda , while New Yorkers coughed their lungs out .
My proposal to prepare for the next pandemic ?
It ’ s twofold , and Cuomo-inspired .
• Contract in advance with hotels , motels , and major real-estate developers .
The moment a major pandemic seems to threaten again , offer free , secure facilities where the vulnerable can shelter .
A voluntary quarantine .
Those facilities should get the first supplies of tests , masks , ventilators , etc.
, and be scrupulously kept virus-free .
Our first priority should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not enacting the most unconstitutional .
• Every state governor who doesn ’ t set up such facilities should see his living parents , grandparents , etc.
, ( his Matilda ) relocated to a state-run nursing home for the duration of the pandemic .
Call it The Skin in the Game Act of 2020 .
Since Cuomo lit the Empire State Building pink to celebrate legal infanticide , how soon before he lights it a festive silver to mark geronticide , the organized wipe out of the elderly ?
You know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ezekiel “ Baal ” Emanuel essentially favors , after age 75 .
Do we think Cuomo will : • Light up the building to coincide with the Democratic National Convention ?
• Save it for next Grandparents Day ?
Joe ’ s still hiding in his bunker .
# MeToo Democrats have decided it doesn ’ t matter if he commits rape tomorrow on 5th Avenue in Manhattan , so long as he ’ s wearing an N95 mask .
They ’ re going to back him anyway , and treat him as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some non-white , non-male leftist yet to be named waits in the wings as veep , and the Deep State runs the country .
A fitting conclusion to the career of Joseph Biden .
He was a plagiarizing unprincipled hack prone to foreign bribes at the height of his powers .
We Catholics aren ’ t sending our best .
Not even to Rome .
On May 14 , Pope Francis is promoting an inter-faith , syncretist , minimally theistic worldwide day of prayer .
Not just among Christians , or even Christians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every religion to invoke whatever gods they honor against the virus .
Vatican News reports that “ The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity ” ( not to be confused with the “ National Institute for Coordinated Experiments , ” which appears in That Hideous Strength ) issued a call .
It reads in part : Now , in the past Christians have speculated that pagan gods are demons .
They ’ ve seen Muhammad as a type of antichrist , and the image of God he preached a monstrous parody of Our Father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayer among Christians and Jews on the one hand , alongside Muslims and Hindus… .
Well it seems like a whole new gospel .
And St. Paul told us to watch out for those .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The Deep State Coup and Its Plotters It ’ s increasingly clear , as The Stream ’ s Al Perrotta has noted , that the false imprisonment effort against Gen. Mike Flynn can be traced straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama , that is .
It ’ s tempting to take that and run with it .
President Trump is clearly tempted .
He shouldn ’ t take the bait , as I observed below : As much as Obama deserves the fullest scrutiny of the law , what matters right now is winning the next election .
Otherwise the Deep State will go absolutely unpurged .
Indeed , it will be vindicated .
A Democrat victory in November would reduce Trump ’ s entire presidency into a grim footnote in the history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Latin America marched through the whizzing turnstiles of our open borders , and the last red state turned blue , it would prove cold comfort to reflect that the very last GOP president was “ tough on Obama.
” Instead , the Justice Department should work overtime to put Obama ’ s henchmen and puppets in prison .
Then in Trump ’ s second term in office ?
Trace the conspiracy all the way to the top , and prosecute accordingly .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books , including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism .

I need a vacation. Not on a sandy beach or quiet ranch. That would just stress me out. What would really refresh me? A week or so in Manhattan, eating challah French toast in Ukrainian diners. Strolling slowly through the Metropolitan Museum’s medieval collection. Dodging traffic to hunt down Victorian stained glass windows in pristine, barely-used Episcopal churches. Hunting down the best dim sum in Flushing, the freshest Huitlacoche in Long Island City.
That’s the kind of activity that relaxes me. Plus most of my friends and family still live in or near there. I’d love to drop by Eric Metaxas’ actual bunker in person, and watch Impractical Jokers with my best friend since second grade, Anthony, recalling together our real-life pranks and our near-brushes with death and dismemberment.
But something tells me it’s not going to happen. I wonder if in the wake of the lockdown, and under the thumb of its Sandinista mayor, New York City will ever recover. Or if it’s headed back down the long, slimy trail it pursued from the 1960s through the early 90s. That’s when the pro-crime party ran things. (There’s no other way to characterize Republicans like Lindsey or Democrats like Dinkins. Read the great Thomas Howard’s memoir of New York’s decline for a deeper analysis.)
As it is, glimpses of the city in our media increasingly look like outtakes from Taxi Driver and Joker. The same policies, repeated, will produce the same result. Only now there aren’t enough white working class voters to join disgruntled Jewish Democrats to elect another Giuliani. Which suggests to me that New York will end up more like New Orleans, plus Wall Street. And since that’s mostly run by computerized algorithms, don’t be shocked if it moves to Texas, eventually.
So my geographical recharger is out of order. My spiritual battery’s locked away behind the shuttered gates of my local church. Occasionally I’ll drive by to feel, at 100 feet distance, the Eucharist’s pulsing Presence. But that doesn’t quite do the job.
If you’ll pardon me, then, instead of the considered column I lack the vim and vigor to craft today, I present some “short takes” on different aspects of the current global crisis. Some were columns that petered out into Tweets. Others are self-contained insights that I hope either assuage your anxieties or send you racing off to picket at the governor’s mansion or practice at the gun range. Either way is good with me, so long as you aren’t bored….
Something was off with the optics of protecting the jellyfish at Jones Beach while infecting Korean war vets in locked nursing homes. And bantering with his brother about which multi-million-dollar mansion would shelter their mom Matilda, while New Yorkers coughed their lungs out.
Super Cuomo Brothers
After weeks of media heat, much of it stoked right here at The Stream, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has admitted he’s wrong. No, not explicitly of course. He’s above such petty humility or common decency. But Cuomo has reversed his deadly policy of dumping virus patients on nursing homes. Something was off with the optics of protecting the jellyfish at Jones Beach while infecting Korean war vets in locked nursing homes. And bantering with his brother about which multi-million-dollar mansion would shelter their mom Matilda, while New Yorkers coughed their lungs out. My proposal to prepare for the next pandemic? It’s twofold, and Cuomo-inspired.
Contract in advance with hotels, motels, and major real-estate developers. The moment a major pandemic seems to threaten again, offer free, secure facilities where the vulnerable can shelter. A voluntary quarantine. Those facilities should get the first supplies of tests, masks, ventilators, etc., and be scrupulously kept virus-free. Our first priority should be the protecting the most vulnerable, not enacting the most unconstitutional.
Every state governor who doesn’t set up such facilities should see his living parents, grandparents, etc., (his Matilda) relocated to a state-run nursing home for the duration of the pandemic. Call it The Skin in the Game Act of 2020.
Since Cuomo lit the Empire State Building pink to celebrate legal infanticide, how soon before he lights it a festive silver to mark geronticide, the organized wipe out of the elderly? You know, as Biden’s coronavirus advisor, Ezekiel “Baal” Emanuel essentially favors, after age 75. Do we think Cuomo will:
Light up the building to coincide with the Democratic National Convention? Wait until Christmas Eve? Save it for next Grandparents Day?
Weekend at Biden’s
Joe’s still hiding in his bunker. #MeToo Democrats have decided it doesn’t matter if he commits rape tomorrow on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, so long as he’s wearing an N95 mask. They’re going to back him anyway, and treat him as a Disney animatronic dead president. Meanwhile some non-white, non-male leftist yet to be named waits in the wings as veep, and the Deep State runs the country. A fitting conclusion to the career of Joseph Biden. He was a plagiarizing unprincipled hack prone to foreign bribes at the height of his powers. We Catholics aren’t sending our best.
World Syncretism Day at the Vatican
Not even to Rome. On May 14, Pope Francis is promoting an inter-faith, syncretist, minimally theistic worldwide day of prayer. Not just among Christians, or even Christians and Jews. He encourages those of every religion to invoke whatever gods they honor against the virus. Vatican News reports that “The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity” (not to be confused with the “National Institute for Coordinated Experiments,” which appears in That Hideous Strength) issued a call. It reads in part:
Each one, from wherever they are and according to the teachings of their religion, faith, or sect, should implore God to lift this pandemic off us and the entire world, to rescue us all from this adversity.
Now, in the past Christians have speculated that pagan gods are demons. They’ve seen Muhammad as a type of antichrist, and the image of God he preached a monstrous parody of Our Father. For the Vatican to urge common prayer among Christians and Jews on the one hand, alongside Muslims and Hindus… . Well it seems like a whole new gospel. And St. Paul told us to watch out for those.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The Deep State Coup and Its Plotters
It’s increasingly clear, as The Stream’s Al Perrotta has noted, that the false imprisonment effort against Gen. Mike Flynn can be traced straight to the top. To outgoing President Obama, that is. It’s tempting to take that and run with it. President Trump is clearly tempted. He shouldn’t take the bait, as I observed below:
Be VERY careful about connecting the dots to Obama. If he gets pulled in, he will simply step forward, turn wine to water, bread to stones, and throw himself from the temple height, to be caught by principalities & powers. And the Boomers will cry, as one, “My Lord and my God!” — John Zmirak (@JZmirak) May 10, 2020
As much as Obama deserves the fullest scrutiny of the law, what matters right now is winning the next election. Otherwise the Deep State will go absolutely unpurged. Indeed, it will be vindicated. A Democrat victory in November would reduce Trump’s entire presidency into a grim footnote in the history of a “fundamentally transformed” nation. As Latin America marched through the whizzing turnstiles of our open borders, and the last red state turned blue, it would prove cold comfort to reflect that the very last GOP president was “tough on Obama.”
Instead, the Justice Department should work overtime to put Obama’s henchmen and puppets in prison. Then in Trump’s second term in office? Trace the conspiracy all the way to the top, and prosecute accordingly.
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream, and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism.


thestream--2020-05-13--The HEROES Act: Disturbing Finds in the Dems’ New $3 Trillion Relief Bill

Last night during his opening monologue , Tucker Carlson reported on many disturbing finds his team has uncovered in the latest coronavirus relief bill being proposed by House Democrats .
Among the most troubling inclusions are : • $ 1,200 each to all illegal immigrants • An amnesty provision for all illegal immigrants in “ essential ” jobs • Automatic extension of guest worker visas and higher ceilings for new visas • An order to the DHS to expedite visas for foreigners seeking to work in the medical field • Expanded access to financial services for minority-owned and women-owned cannabis-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Science Foundation to study coronavirus “ misinformation ” Regarding the many provisions for illegal aliens , Carlson expressed deep concern for the lasting effects this bill would have on the future of our nation .
This is a blanket amnesty for virtually every illegal alien that has already taken an American job .
And once this amnesty is granted , it will never be taken away .
Bet on that , no matter what they tell you .
Anyone who lives in Washington can confirm that .
Once passed , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that point , there will be no debate about illegal immigration .
The issue will be settled permanently .
Democrats will win every presidential election for the rest of your life , the rest of your children ’ s lives , and the rest of your grandchildren ’ s lives .
“ Who wrote this thing ?
” Carlson quipped .
In answer to his own question , he concluded , “ Probably not scientists .
Lobbyists and ideologues wrote it .
The same people who control the Democratic Party .
The same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country.
” Watch the full video above for a deeper look .

Tuesday night during his opening monologue, Tucker Carlson reported on many disturbing finds his team has uncovered in the latest coronavirus relief bill being proposed by House Democrats.
Among the most troubling inclusions are:
$1,200 each to all illegal immigrants
An amnesty provision for all illegal immigrants in “essential” jobs
Automatic extension of guest worker visas and higher ceilings for new visas
An order to the DHS to expedite visas for foreigners seeking to work in the medical field
Expanded access to financial services for minority-owned and women-owned cannabis-related businesses
$1 Million to the National Science Foundation to study coronavirus “misinformation”
Regarding the many provisions for illegal aliens, Carlson expressed deep concern for the lasting effects this bill would have on the future of our nation.
This is a blanket amnesty for virtually every illegal alien that has already taken an American job. And once this amnesty is granted, it will never be taken away. Bet on that, no matter what they tell you. Anyone who lives in Washington can confirm that. Once passed, it’s not going away. And at that point, there will be no debate about illegal immigration. The issue will be settled permanently. Democrats will win every presidential election for the rest of your life, the rest of your children’s lives, and the rest of your grandchildren’s lives.
“Who wrote this thing?” Carlson quipped. In answer to his own question, he concluded, “Probably not scientists. Lobbyists and ideologues wrote it. The same people who control the Democratic Party. The same people who badly want to control this country.”
Watch the full video above for a deeper look.


thestream--2020-05-14--Despite Crisis, Summit Ramps Up Next-Generation Worldview Training

“ Job security has really changed for college seniors , ” said Nate Neugebauer , who this May completed his junior year at Georgetown University through distance learning .
“ Looking forward , we don ’ t know what the job market is going to look like , ” said the 21-year-old student .
“ There ’ s a high probability firms won ’ t be hiring to the same degree that they would have , had coronavirus not hit.
” In March , schools across the U.S. closed .
Such decisions reflected united societal efforts to halt the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures are still being analyzed .
Now educators are eager to meet students where they are .
“ The starting point for our team responding to COVID-19 has been a Scripture passage , from Hebrews 10:39 , ” said Jeff Myers , president of Summit Ministries .
“ It says , ‘ We are not of those who shrink back.
’ ” Founded in 1962 , the nonprofit group led by Myers annually trains thousands of college and high school students .
Starting May 25 , Summit begins its first of several week-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , entirely via internet .
Myers says their mission remains the same .
“ We help young adults develop wisdom as emerging leaders who can make a difference in the culture , ” he said .
“ Summit Virtual is an entirely new platform .
It ’ s not anything like the room-to-Zoom lectures that students are now very bored with.
” Author and college professor Lee Strobel endorses the work of Summit .
“ They are exposing students to critical thinking , evidence , logic , and current developments regarding the truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Summit helps students understand not just what they believe as followers of Jesus , but why they believe it.
” The novel coronavirus , which has had cases and deaths reported worldwide , has wreaked havoc on the U.S. What had been the strongest job market in 50 years has shifted to what could become a recession .
Set to graduate next May , Neugebauer says the track he ’ s been on for business consulting has been disrupted .
“ The two biggest impacts have been , first , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus .
And the second thing is job preparation.
” Missing graduation ceremonies and summer internships may seem small sacrifices , but they are no less real .
“ There ’ s a sense of loss among many students , ” said Strobel , a faculty member at Colorado Christian University .
“ They feel like circumstances have cheated them out of an opportunity to put that final bow on their education.
” Strobel , whose conversion story has been dramatized in the film The Case for Christ , also sees a higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of students are seeing this as an opportunity to engage with people spiritually , ” he said .
“ They are ministering to their peers in the midst of the pandemic.
” Based near Colorado Springs , Myers has spoken lately with dozens of students via phone and video calls .
“ I ’ m hearing six words : ‘ I am bored .
I am worried , ’ ” he said .
He points to the pandemic and its effects .
“ Especially Gen Z students have grown up believing that two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can solve all of their problems and keep them safe , ” said Myers .
“ Now they realize that isn ’ t true .
It ’ s like the day you find out that your grandfather is not Superman.
” Despite pressures of life this summer , Neugebauer looks forward to engaging in Summit worldview training .
He contends their courses address what his peers are asking .
“ To be a well-rounded adult , there are a few questions everyone must answer for themselves , ” said Neugebauer .
“ One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe in God ?
’ And the natural follow up is : ‘ Who , therefore , is God — and what does that mean to me ?
’ ” According to a recent Barna survey , only four percent of Millennials believe in a biblical worldview .
Yet , as he travels the country to teach apologetics , Strobel seems to find the outliers .
“ I ’ ll have a young person come up to me , and I ’ ll be thinking , ‘ Man , this is a sharp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ” he recalled .
“ So many times , I ask them what their experience has been with worldview training , and they ’ ll mention they went to Summit.
” “ I encounter that all the time , ” said Strobel .
“ It ’ s uncanny , the quality of the students who have gone through there.
” In recent decades , Summit Ministries has hosted approximately 1,400 students every year during two-week summer programs .
Summit faculty members engage with an additional 40,000 U.S. students during events throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Their work directly addresses a top concern among U.S. pastors .
A recent study showed churches largely failing to reach millennial and Gen Z seekers who are open to faith .
Myers attempts to reframe the discussion .
“ Whether parents or pastors , we can ’ t so much keep our kids from walking away from their faith , ” he said .
“ We can give them a vision of what to walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerge a strong faith , because that is what empowers them.
” A journalist by trade , Strobel counts many Summit lecturers as friends including Mark Mittelberg , J. Warner Wallace , and J.P. Moreland .
He shares with enthusiasm about the research they often discuss as scholars .
“ Over the last 50 years , the sciences have revealed a series of discoveries , ” said Strobel .
“ These findings in cosmology , physics , biochemistry , and genetics powerfully and persuasively support the Christian worldview.
” He notes : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploring that evidence.
” For Myers , his team is busy with final pilot testing for their custom online platform .
“ We ’ ve developed an entirely new system that goes beyond Zoom , YouTube , or Vimeo , ” he said .
“ Summit Virtual is a fast-paced program that includes breakout groups and Q & A times .
Georgetown student Nate Neugebauer , who is a grandson of recently retired Congressman Randy Neugebauer , says many of his peers have dismissed his religious faith .
He pushes back against claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indoctrination only occurs when you ’ re not presented with any alternatives , ” he said .
“ At Summit , multiple viewpoints are heard as they ensure students understand the differences in worldviews .
“ While giving the Christian point of view , Summit encourages loving and respecting everyone.
” Learn more about Summit Virtual in the video below .
A graduate of the University of Colorado , Josh M. Shepherd covers culture , faith , and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist .
Find him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Streamdotorg .

“Job security has really changed for college seniors,” said Nate Neugebauer, who this May completed his junior year at Georgetown University through distance learning. “Looking forward, we don’t know what the job market is going to look like,” said the 21-year-old student. “There’s a high probability firms won’t be hiring to the same degree that they would have, had coronavirus not hit.”
In March, schools across the U.S. closed. Such decisions reflected united societal efforts to halt the spread of coronavirus. Domino effects of such closures are still being analyzed. Now educators are eager to meet students where they are.
“The starting point for our team responding to COVID-19 has been a Scripture passage, from Hebrews 10:39,” said Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries. “It says, ‘We are not of those who shrink back.’”
Founded in 1962, the nonprofit group led by Myers annually trains thousands of college and high school students. Starting May 25, Summit begins its first of several week-long intensive sessions — for the first time, entirely via internet.
Myers says their mission remains the same. “We help young adults develop wisdom as emerging leaders who can make a difference in the culture,” he said. “Summit Virtual is an entirely new platform. It’s not anything like the room-to-Zoom lectures that students are now very bored with.”
Author and college professor Lee Strobel endorses the work of Summit. “They are exposing students to critical thinking, evidence, logic, and current developments regarding the truth claims of the gospel,” he said.
“Summit helps students understand not just what they believe as followers of Jesus, but why they believe it.”
What Students Are Facing Today
The novel coronavirus, which has had cases and deaths reported worldwide, has wreaked havoc on the U.S. What had been the strongest job market in 50 years has shifted to what could become a recession.
Set to graduate next May, Neugebauer says the track he’s been on for business consulting has been disrupted.
“The two biggest impacts have been, first, losing that community with my friends on campus. And the second thing is job preparation.”
Missing graduation ceremonies and summer internships may seem small sacrifices, but they are no less real. “There’s a sense of loss among many students,” said Strobel, a faculty member at Colorado Christian University.
“They feel like circumstances have cheated them out of an opportunity to put that final bow on their education.”
Strobel, whose conversion story has been dramatized in the film The Case for Christ, also sees a higher purpose at work. “A lot of students are seeing this as an opportunity to engage with people spiritually,” he said. “They are ministering to their peers in the midst of the pandemic.”
Based near Colorado Springs, Myers has spoken lately with dozens of students via phone and video calls. “I’m hearing six words: ‘I am bored. I am worried,’” he said.
He points to the pandemic and its effects. “Especially Gen Z students have grown up believing that two magic words — science and medicine — can solve all of their problems and keep them safe,” said Myers.
“Now they realize that isn’t true. It’s like the day you find out that your grandfather is not Superman.”
How Summit Seeks to Empower Students
Despite pressures of life this summer, Neugebauer looks forward to engaging in Summit worldview training. He contends their courses address what his peers are asking.
“To be a well-rounded adult, there are a few questions everyone must answer for themselves,” said Neugebauer. “One of them is, ‘Do I believe in God?’ And the natural follow up is: ‘Who, therefore, is God — and what does that mean to me?’”
According to a recent Barna survey, only four percent of Millennials believe in a biblical worldview.
Yet, as he travels the country to teach apologetics, Strobel seems to find the outliers.
“I’ll have a young person come up to me, and I’ll be thinking, ‘Man, this is a sharp, bright, engaged, curious individual,’” he recalled. “So many times, I ask them what their experience has been with worldview training, and they’ll mention they went to Summit.”
“I encounter that all the time,” said Strobel. “It’s uncanny, the quality of the students who have gone through there.”
In recent decades, Summit Ministries has hosted approximately 1,400 students every year during two-week summer programs. Summit faculty members engage with an additional 40,000 U.S. students during events throughout the year.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Their work directly addresses a top concern among U.S. pastors. A recent study showed churches largely failing to reach millennial and Gen Z seekers who are open to faith.
Myers attempts to reframe the discussion. “Whether parents or pastors, we can’t so much keep our kids from walking away from their faith,” he said. “We can give them a vision of what to walk towards.
“Out of that may emerge a strong faith, because that is what empowers them.”
Exploring the Big Questions
A journalist by trade, Strobel counts many Summit lecturers as friends including Mark Mittelberg, J. Warner Wallace, and J.P. Moreland. He shares with enthusiasm about the research they often discuss as scholars.
“Over the last 50 years, the sciences have revealed a series of discoveries,” said Strobel. “These findings in cosmology, physics, biochemistry, and genetics powerfully and persuasively support the Christian worldview.”
He notes: “Summit is on the cutting edge of exploring that evidence.”
For Myers, his team is busy with final pilot testing for their custom online platform. “We’ve developed an entirely new system that goes beyond Zoom, YouTube, or Vimeo,” he said. “Summit Virtual is a fast-paced program that includes breakout groups and Q&A times.
“It’s a beautifully produced, highly interactive live environment.”
Georgetown student Nate Neugebauer, who is a grandson of recently retired Congressman Randy Neugebauer, says many of his peers have dismissed his religious faith. He pushes back against claims that Summit represents “indoctrination.”
“Indoctrination only occurs when you’re not presented with any alternatives,” he said. “At Summit, multiple viewpoints are heard as they ensure students understand the differences in worldviews.
“While giving the Christian point of view, Summit encourages loving and respecting everyone.”
Learn more about Summit Virtual in the video below.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Josh M. Shepherd covers culture, faith, and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist. Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-05-14--Military Photo of the Day: Thank You for Re-Upping!

Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard take the oath of enlistment at a re-enlistment ceremony held at the Boston Convention @ @ @ @ @ 4 , 2020 .
Thank you for again volunteering to defend our country , heroes @ @ @ @ @ : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of @ @ @

Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard take the oath of enlistment at a re-enlistment ceremony held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on May 4, 2020.
Thank you for again volunteering to defend our country, heroes!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-05-14--The Theology the State Teaches When the State Says It’s Not Teaching Theology — And How You Can Answ

The Theology the State Teaches When the State Says It’s Not Teaching Theology — And How You Can Answer It

The state doesn ’ t teach theology , right ?
Wrong .
And it ’ s time we quit pretending on it .
Take schools , as the chief example .
They don ’ t teach theology in the public schools , right ?
Wouldn ’ t dream of touching it , not in the school building , and not in COVID-era online classes .
It ’ s not their business , not at all !
That ’ s the standard , secular view .
It ’ s called “ neutrality , ” a “ strict wall of separation ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no business taking sides in any religious debate , so it stays far , far away from theology , so as not to influence a soul with it .
If only life were so simple .
It isn ’ t .
Indeed , it ’ s impossible in the very nature of things for it to be that simple .
Secularists ’ calls for neutrality are therefore , unfortunately , simplistic .
Neutrality doesn ’ t exist , neither in theory nor in practice , and that applies to more than just religion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can think of , mix in anyone who has any teaching authority at all , and what you get out of it is never a neutral position .
The teacher might take one side in the controversy , or they could pronounce the issue unsolvable .
They might say it ’ s irrelevant , or they could get the same point across by ignoring it and treating it as unimportant .
Either they teach an answer , or they teach there is no answer , or that the answer doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re teaching something .
So it is with religion .
Schools don ’ t take sides .
( Or so they claim , except sometimes in support of Islam or tribal religions , which count as exceptions for some reason . )
So what do they do instead ?
One common answer is , “ We don ’ t teach on religion because nobody knows which one is true , if any.
” That ’ s not neutral , though .
Christianity teaches that we can know .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Luke 1:1-4 , 2 Peter 1:16 , and 1 John 5:13 , among others .
So if a school teaches no one can know , they ’ re teaching that this Christian doctrine is false .
They ’ re taking a theological position ; they ’ re teaching theology .
The other common approach in schools is to remain silent on religion altogether .
They don ’ t say anything on behalf religion , but they don ’ t say anything against it , either .
But this actually is saying something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or maybe that there ’ s nothing for anyone actually to learn about it .
Or maybe that religion might be necessary on some days or in some places , but not in your place of learning , where you spend more time than anyplace else besides your home .
There are the kinds of messages that schools send through silence on religion .
Choose any of them you like , it doesn ’ t matter : It contradicts Christian teaching .
They can call it secular , but only if “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is wrong.
” It ’ s counter-Christian doctrine , just as surely as Muslim teaching is ( in many crucial ways ) counter-Christian doctrine .
“ Neutrality ’ s ” Real Message Is Getting Across It ’ s working , too .
That is , the point is getting across , even though schools use silence to send it .
Ask an atheist today , and you ’ ll find he ’ ll surprised if you don ’ t assume along with him that atheism is the default position ; that you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but if you ’ re going to believe in God ( or gods ) , you ’ d better be able to prove it .
And yet atheism itself isn ’ t a belief , they say .
Rather , it ’ s the “ lack of a belief in God or gods.
” It looks a lot as if atheists lack belief just as public schools “ lack belief.
” Or vice versa : Schools lack belief just as atheists “ lack belief.
” And schools are equally as neutral on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not one bit .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
So every child at public school is bound to learn the schools ’ loaded teaching on religion .
Parents ’ and churches ’ only real defense against it ( other than removing kids from public schools ) is to teach their children — and teach and teach and teach them !
— how their schools are sending them a subtle yet strong and very false message about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expect a first-grader to understand , though .
Unfortunately it also seems to be a lot to expect many parents and many churches to teach .
Maybe they ’ ve bought into the lie of neutrality themselves , or maybe they ’ ve succumbed to the error of thinking Christian truth is mere opinion and not something to study and learn as objective truth .
It ’ s unavoidable , though .
If theology is the study of what we can know about God , then public schools teach theology , whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either teach something definite they think they know about God , or else that there is nothing anyone can know about God , or else that it doesn ’ t matter what one thinks about God — which is to say that God Himself doesn ’ t matter .
And that , without any doubt or room for denial , is teaching theology .
So what do we do about this , as a matter of public policy ?
Forget about asking public schools to start teaching Christian truth again : They don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t allow it for an instant , and they ’ d get it wrong even if they tried .
You can also forget about asking schools to be neutral toward religion .
I ’ ve just explained why that ’ s impossible : Schools teach theology whether they want to or not .
Neutrality is unachievable .
It almost sounds like an unsolvable problem , and on one level it is .
We ’ re certainly not going to improve the theology being taught in schools ; not in today ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case law .
What We Can Do About It Still there ’ s one change that ought to be within reach , one that could make all the difference .
It won ’ t come easy , but there ’ s no principled reason it ought to be impossible .
I say it ’ s worth fighting for .
We could tell our schools to quit faking it .
We could tell them to drop the pretense of neutrality , and admit to the actual teaching that ’ s going on .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth instead .
Tell them they need to teach kids this message , the only one that ’ s fully honest about education and religion : “ What you believe isn ’ t our decision , but if any of the major religions are teaching the truth , then grabbing hold of that truth is the most important thing you could possibly do .
We ’ re not allowed to tell you what you should believe .
We ’ re not even equipped to tell you .
But we ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re sure it doesn ’ t matter .
And we want to encourage you to get on with the discovery , in whatever way you can find to make it.
” That might be a lot for a first-grader to handle , too , but I ’ m sure teachers can find an age-appropriate way to cover it .
And it seems to me they ’ d be glad not to force parents into the position of telling kids their schools are teaching them lies about the single most important subject in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream , and the author of A Christian Mind : Thoughts on Life and Truth in Jesus Christ and Critical Conversations : A Christian Parent ’ s Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens , and the lead editor of True Reason : Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism .

The state doesn’t teach theology, right? Wrong. And it’s time we quit pretending on it.
Take schools, as the chief example. They don’t teach theology in the public schools, right? Wouldn’t dream of touching it, not in the school building, and not in COVID-era online classes. It’s not their business, not at all!
That’s the standard, secular view. It’s called “neutrality,” a “strict wall of separation” and all that. The government has no business taking sides in any religious debate, so it stays far, far away from theology, so as not to influence a soul with it.
If only life were so simple. It isn’t. Indeed, it’s impossible in the very nature of things for it to be that simple. Secularists’ calls for neutrality are therefore, unfortunately, simplistic.
Neutrality Isn’t Real
Neutrality doesn’t exist, neither in theory nor in practice, and that applies to more than just religion. Start with any point of controversy you can think of, mix in anyone who has any teaching authority at all, and what you get out of it is never a neutral position. The teacher might take one side in the controversy, or they could pronounce the issue unsolvable. They might say it’s irrelevant, or they could get the same point across by ignoring it and treating it as unimportant. Either they teach an answer, or they teach there is no answer, or that the answer doesn’t matter. One way or another, they’re teaching something.
So it is with religion. Schools don’t take sides. (Or so they claim, except sometimes in support of Islam or tribal religions, which count as exceptions for some reason.) So what do they do instead?
One common answer is, “We don’t teach on religion because nobody knows which one is true, if any.” That’s not neutral, though. Christianity teaches that we can know. That’s the point of passages like John 20:30-31, Luke 1:1-4, 2 Peter 1:16, and 1 John 5:13, among others. So if a school teaches no one can know, they’re teaching that this Christian doctrine is false. They’re taking a theological position; they’re teaching theology.
Silence Sends a Message
It’s counter-Christian doctrine, just as surely as Muslim teaching is (in many crucial ways) counter-Christian doctrine.
The other common approach in schools is to remain silent on religion altogether. They don’t say anything on behalf religion, but they don’t say anything against it, either. But this actually is saying something against religion: that religion is irrelevant, or maybe that there’s nothing for anyone actually to learn about it. Or maybe that religion might be necessary on some days or in some places, but not in your place of learning, where you spend more time than anyplace else besides your home.
There are the kinds of messages that schools send through silence on religion. Choose any of them you like, it doesn’t matter: It contradicts Christian teaching. They can call it secular, but only if “secular” means “we believe Christianity is wrong.” It’s counter-Christian doctrine, just as surely as Muslim teaching is (in many crucial ways) counter-Christian doctrine.
“Neutrality’s” Real Message Is Getting Across
It’s working, too. That is, the point is getting across, even though schools use silence to send it. Ask an atheist today, and you’ll find he’ll be surprised if you don’t assume along with him that atheism is the default position; that you can call yourself an atheist without proving anything, but if you’re going to believe in God (or gods), you’d better be able to prove it.
And yet atheism itself isn’t a belief, they say. Rather, it’s the “lack of a belief in God or gods.” It looks a lot as if atheists lack belief just as public schools “lack belief.” Or vice versa: Schools lack belief just as atheists “lack belief.” And schools are equally as neutral on religion, which is to say, not one bit.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
So every child at public school is bound to learn the schools’ loaded teaching on religion. Parents’ and churches’ only real defense against it (other than removing kids from public schools) is to teach their children — and teach and teach and teach them! — how their schools are sending them a subtle yet strong and very false message about God.
That’s a lot to expect a first-grader to understand, though. Unfortunately it also seems to be a lot to expect many parents and many churches to teach. Maybe they’ve bought into the lie of neutrality themselves, or maybe they’ve succumbed to the error of thinking Christian truth is mere opinion and not something to study and learn as objective truth.
Yes, It’s Theology
It’s unavoidable, though. If theology is the study of what we can know about God, then public schools teach theology, whether they want to or not. Schools either teach something definite they think they know about God, or else that there is nothing anyone can know about God, or else that it doesn’t matter what one thinks about God — which is to say that God Himself doesn’t matter. And that, without any doubt or room for denial, is teaching theology.
We could tell our schools to quit faking it. We could tell them to drop the pretense of neutrality, and admit to the actual teaching that’s going on.
So what do we do about this, as a matter of public policy? Forget about asking public schools to start teaching Christian truth again: They don’t want to, the secularists wouldn’t allow it for an instant, and they’d get it wrong even if they tried. You can also forget about asking schools to be neutral toward religion. I’ve just explained why that’s impossible: Schools teach theology whether they want to or not. Neutrality is unachievable.
It almost sounds like an unsolvable problem, and on one level it is. We’re certainly not going to improve the theology being taught in schools; not in today’s culture and with today’s case law.
What We Can Do About It
Still there’s one change that ought to be within reach, one that could make all the difference. It won’t come easy, but there’s no principled reason it ought to be impossible. I say it’s worth fighting for. We could tell our schools to quit faking it. We could tell them to drop the pretense of neutrality, and admit to the actual teaching that’s going on.
And we could call on them to speak the truth instead. Tell them they need to teach kids this message, the only one that’s fully honest about education and religion: “What you believe isn’t our decision, but if any of the major religions are teaching the truth, then grabbing hold of that truth is the most important thing you could possibly do. We’re not allowed to tell you what you should believe. We’re not even equipped to tell you. But we’re not about to act as if we’re sure it doesn’t matter. And we want to encourage you to get on with the discovery, in whatever way you can find to make it.”
That might be a lot for a first-grader to handle, too, but I’m sure teachers can find an age-appropriate way to cover it. And it seems to me they’d be glad not to force parents into the position of telling kids their schools are teaching them lies about the single most important subject in all of life: God Himself.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream, and the author of A Christian Mind: Thoughts on Life and Truth in Jesus Christ and Critical Conversations: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens, and the lead editor of True Reason: Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism.


thestream--2020-05-14--House Republicans Open Inquiry Into Mysterious Drone Program Officials Use To Police Americans Who A

House Republicans Open Inquiry Into Mysterious Drone Program Officials Use To Police Americans Who Aren’t Social Distancing

• House Republicans want answers from the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security about a Chinese-based company supplying cities with drones to police citizens who are not abiding by social distancing guidelines .
• Reps. Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz want to know if local and state officials are using federal grant money to obtain the drones , and they are concerned the company , DJI , could pose a risk to national security .
• DJI ’ s website notes that the drone program has donated 100 drones to more than 40 agencies , but the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the technology or what they are doing with the drones .
Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are opening a congressional inquiry into a drone company that provides city mayors and other officials with drone technology to help monitor and fine American citizens who fail to employ social distancing guidelines , the Daily Caller News Foundation has learned .
Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jim Jordan of Ohio requested information from the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security Wednesday into Da Jiang Innovations ( DJI ) , a Chinese-based company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Past reports suggest DJI could pose a security threat to U.S. infrastructure .
“ Although federal law enforcement agencies have warned of potential information security concerns with DJI drones , it is not clear whether state and local law enforcement agencies are fully aware of these issues , ” Jordon and Gaetz and other Republican lawmakers noted in separate letters to the DHS and DOJ obtained by the DCNF .
They are referring to reports warning that DJI poses a risk to the country ’ s national security .
DJI donated drones to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforce social distancing , MSNBC reported in April .
The donations are part of the company ’ s “ COVID-19 US Disaster Relief Program , ” which provides cities access to the drones for the purpose of surveilling populations during the pandemic .
Jordan , Gaetz and other Republicans on the committee want a list of the state and local enforcement agencies that are receiving federal tax dollars to purchase DJI drones dating back to 2017 .
They also want to know if the departments are monitoring the supply of drones to these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sprung up internally since 2017 about DJI .
A 2017 memo from the Los Angeles office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) said officials had “ moderate confidence ” that DJI ’ s commercial drones are giving critical U.S. “ infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The memo cited first- and second-hand anonymous sources inside the drone industry .
ICE , an agency under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DCNF ’ s request for comment about the memo , which was initially reported in November 2017 by The New York Times .
The memo also stated that officials had “ high confidence the company is selectively targeting government and privately owned entities within these sectors to expand its ability to collect and exploit sensitive U.S. data.
” The U.S. Army banned the use of all DJI drones in 2017 , citing “ cyber vulnerabilities.
” DJI previously disputed the thrust of the Times article and now disputes the insinuation that the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front-line workers testing positive for COVID-19 , our focus is giving our public safety professionals every tool possible to fight the virus and protect citizens .
That is our goal , ” Adam Lisberg , corporate communications director for DJI , told the DCNF DJI has not provided the DCNF with a list of the cities that have received drones .
Some cities are making use of the company ’ s drones .
Elizabeth , New Jersey Mayor J. Christian Bollwage , for instance , has no issue using the drones as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s drones blare sirens and issue this warning : “ Stop gathering , disperse and go home.
” “ If these drones save one life , it is clearly worth the activity and the information that the drones are sending , ” the mayor said in an April interview with MSNBC .
New Jersey is considered a coronavirus hotspot — more than 9,000 people in the state have died from the virus , which originated in Wuhan , China , before skipping across the globe and landing in the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
The Elizabeth Police Department announced in an April 8 Facebook post how the drones will work .
“ These drones will be around the City with an automated message from the Mayor telling you to STOP gathering , disperse and go home , ” the post noted before issuing a warning that violating the policies subjects them to potential $ 1,000 fines .
“ You have been advised.
” Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

House Republicans want answers from the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security about a Chinese-based company supplying cities with drones to police citizens who are not abiding by social distancing guidelines.
Reps. Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz want to know if local and state officials are using federal grant money to obtain the drones, and they are concerned the company, DJI, could pose a risk to national security.
DJI’s website notes that the drone program has donated 100 drones to more than 40 agencies, but the company does not specify which cities are receiving the technology or what they are doing with the drones.
Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are opening a congressional inquiry into a drone company that provides city mayors and other officials with drone technology to help monitor and fine American citizens who fail to employ social distancing guidelines, the Daily Caller News Foundation has learned.
Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jim Jordan of Ohio requested information from the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security Wednesday into Da Jiang Innovations (DJI), a Chinese-based company dolling out drones to city officials. Past reports suggest DJI could pose a security threat to U.S. infrastructure.
“Although federal law enforcement agencies have warned of potential information security concerns with DJI drones, it is not clear whether state and local law enforcement agencies are fully aware of these issues,” Jordon and Gaetz and other Republican lawmakers noted in separate letters to the DHS and DOJ obtained by the DCNF.
They are referring to reports warning that DJI poses a risk to the country’s national security.
DJI donated drones to 43 agencies in 22 states to help enforce social distancing, MSNBC reported in April. The donations are part of the company’s “COVID-19 US Disaster Relief Program,” which provides cities access to the drones for the purpose of surveilling populations during the pandemic.
Jordan, Gaetz and other Republicans on the committee want a list of the state and local enforcement agencies that are receiving federal tax dollars to purchase DJI drones dating back to 2017. They also want to know if the departments are monitoring the supply of drones to these municipalities, and whether any concerns have sprung up internally since 2017 about DJI.
A 2017 memo from the Los Angeles office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said officials had “moderate confidence” that DJI’s commercial drones are giving critical U.S. “infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The memo cited first- and second-hand anonymous sources inside the drone industry. ICE, an agency under the DHS, has not responded to the DCNF’s request for comment about the memo, which was initially reported in November 2017 by The New York Times.
The memo also stated that officials had “high confidence the company is selectively targeting government and privately owned entities within these sectors to expand its ability to collect and exploit sensitive U.S. data.” The U.S. Army banned the use of all DJI drones in 2017, citing “cyber vulnerabilities.”
DJI previously disputed the thrust of the Times article and now disputes the insinuation that the company is a threat.
“With more front-line workers testing positive for COVID-19, our focus is giving our public safety professionals every tool possible to fight the virus and protect citizens. That is our goal,” Adam Lisberg, corporate communications director for DJI, told the DCNF DJI has not provided the DCNF with a list of the cities that have received drones.
Some cities are making use of the company’s drones.
Elizabeth, New Jersey Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, for instance, has no issue using the drones as a means of social control. His city’s drones blare sirens and issue this warning: “Stop gathering, disperse and go home.”
“If these drones save one life, it is clearly worth the activity and the information that the drones are sending,” the mayor said in an April interview with MSNBC.
New Jersey is considered a coronavirus hotspot — more than 9,000 people in the state have died from the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, before skipping across the globe and landing in the United States, where it has killed more than 30,000 people. The Elizabeth Police Department announced in an April 8 Facebook post how the drones will work. “These drones will be around the City with an automated message from the Mayor telling you to STOP gathering, disperse and go home,” the post noted before issuing a warning that violating the policies subjects them to potential $1,000 fines. “You have been advised.” 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].
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