thestream--2020-06-15--DA: Felony Murder Charges Could Come For Atlanta Cop Who Shot Taser-Wielding Black Man

A Georgia district attorney in a Sunday announcement said murder charges could come as soon as Wednesday for the fired officer who gunned down a Taser-wielding black man .
The Fulton County DA Paul Howard said 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks “ did not seem to present any threat to anyone ” when he was shot and killed by an Atlanta Police officer Friday .
Gunshot wounds to Brooks ’ back caused organ failure , which ultimately killed him — Howard called the actions by officers “ unreasonable , ” Fox News reported .
“ There are really three charges that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge in the state of Georgia .
That charge is a charge that is directly related to an intent to kill , ” Howard said , according to Fox .
“ The second charge is felony murder and that is a charge that involves a death that comes as a result of the commission of an underlying felony .
In this case , that underlying felony would be aggravated assault.
” Officer Garrett Rolfe who allegedly fired the shots at Brooks has since been fired , and officer Devin Brosnan who assisted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty , according to Fox .
# Atlanta ’ s police department has released bodycam footage of the moments leading up to the shooting of # RayshardBrooks , outside a restaurant in the city on Friday night .
A struggle ensued between officers and Brooks after he was apprehended for DUI .
Brooks was shot dead in a Wendy ’ s parking lot after he allegedly broke loose , grabbed an officer ’ s Taser and fired it as he fled the scene .
“ As I pursued him , he turned and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rolfe told a supervisor after the shooting , according to Fox .
“ …He definitely did shoot it at me at least once.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Forty-two people were arrested between Saturday and Sunday after riots broke out in Atlanta , following Brooks ’ death .
The Wendy ’ s restaurant where the incident happened was torched by demonstrators , according to AJC .
The Wendys where Atlanta Police shot and killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by protesters : 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 Georgia district attorney in a Sunday announcement said murder charges could come as soon as Wednesday for the fired officer who gunned down a Taser-wielding black man.
The Fulton County DA Paul Howard said 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks “did not seem to present any threat to anyone” when he was shot and killed by an Atlanta Police officer Friday. Gunshot wounds to Brooks’ back caused organ failure, which ultimately killed him — Howard called the actions by officers “unreasonable,” Fox News reported.
“There are really three charges that are relevant: One would be the murder charge in the state of Georgia. That charge is a charge that is directly related to an intent to kill,” Howard said, according to Fox. “The second charge is felony murder and that is a charge that involves a death that comes as a result of the commission of an underlying felony. In this case, that underlying felony would be aggravated assault.”
Officer Garrett Rolfe who allegedly fired the shots at Brooks has since been fired, and officer Devin Brosnan who assisted in the struggle has been put on administrative duty, according to Fox.
#Atlanta’s police department has released bodycam footage of the moments leading up to the shooting of #RayshardBrooks, outside a restaurant in the city on Friday night.
#Atlanta's police department has released bodycam footage of the moments leading up to the shooting of #RayshardBrooks, outside a restaurant in the city on Friday night. pic.twitter.com/fFgVVBX3rj — Ruptly (@Ruptly) June 15, 2020
A struggle ensued between officers and Brooks after he was apprehended for DUI. Brooks was shot dead in a Wendy’s parking lot after he allegedly broke loose, grabbed an officer’s Taser and fired it as he fled the scene.
“As I pursued him, he turned and started firing the Taser at me,” Rolfe told a supervisor after the shooting, according to Fox. “…He definitely did shoot it at me at least once.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Forty-two people were arrested between Saturday and Sunday after riots broke out in Atlanta, following Brooks’ death. The Wendy’s restaurant where the incident happened was torched by demonstrators, according to AJC.
The Wendys where Atlanta Police shot and killed #RayshardBrooks has been lit on fire by protesters:
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--2020-06-15--What to Expect From Trump’s Police Reforms

The Trump administration had established a commission on reforming police well before the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis pushed the subject to the top of the national debate .
Last October , President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice .
He tasked the commission with looking at how to improve police departments ’ community relations and how a lack of respect for law enforcement affects public safety and the rule of law .
“ With this commission , you ’ re going to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It could not have come at a better time , ” commission member Frederick Frazier , a 24-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department , said at a roundtable discussion Thursday with Trump and other administration officials in Dallas .
“ We can ’ t take back what happened in Minnesota .
Not one officer that saw that — or federal officer that saw that — said that was the right thing that happened , ” said Frazier , who is also a member of the city council in nearby McKinney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said of Floyd ’ s death at the hands of police during an arrest .
“ If I could have trade places with Mr. Floyd , I would , because I would die for everyone in this room , because that ’ s our job.
” This prompted applause from the audience as Frazier added : “ And if I could trade places with any one of those officers who were there , I would have done that too , because I wouldn ’ t have let that happen.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held 35 panels , heard from 125 witnesses , and taken 190 written statements , Frazier said .
The executive order for the commission seemed to address at least some of the issues being talked about in the wake of Floyd ’ s death with regard to helping underserved communities .
The reforms will include national standards , Trump said during the Dallas event as he announced that more executive actions are on the way .
“ We ’ re working to finalize an executive order that will encourage police departments nationwide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of force , including tactics for de-escalation , ” Trump said .
“ Also , we ’ ll encourage pilot programs that allow social workers to join certain law enforcement officers so that they work together.
” Although reforms are in order , Trump was clear on one point .
“ We ’ re not defunding police , ” the president said .
“ If anything , we ’ re going the other route : We ’ re going to make sure that our police are well trained , perfectly trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best equipment.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Attorney General William Barr , who chaired the meeting Thursday , indicated that some responsibilities shouldered by police officers could be changed as part of the reforms .
“ More and more , our police are being asked to deal with problems that haven ’ t previously been the problem of law enforcement , ” Barr said .
“ They have to deal with homeless people .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health issues .
They have to deal with , you know , drug addiction , the drug addicts , and so forth .
And providing some additional support to the police in these areas is going to be important.
” At least some elements of the “ Defund the Police ” movement are calling for total abolition of police forces and replace them with social workers .
Trump ’ s executive order says the commission will examine “ challenges to law enforcement associated with mental illness , homelessness , substance abuse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and strain criminal justice resources.
” House Democrats announced legislation on police reforms in response to Floyd ’ s death , a second-degree murder charge against former officer Derek Chauvin and charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder against the other three fired officers involved .
Among other things , the bill would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants , mandate dashboard cameras for police vehicles , establish a national police misconduct registry , and make it easier to prosecute officers and sue individual officers .
Barr said the Trump administration , through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving for a while toward relevant reforms .
“ We ’ ve never had a president who is more committed to reforming law enforcement , ” Barr said of Trump at the Dallas gathering , noting that he was the first president to establish a police reform commission since President Lyndon B. Johnson , a favorite son of Texas .
The White House notes that the Trump administration also restored Project Safe Neighborhoods , a partnership among federal , state , and local law enforcement agencies to help reduce violent crime in communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration , murder and other violent crime fell for two consecutive years , according to the White House .
The number of murders in America ’ s major cities declined by more than 10 % .
“ We ’ re working on a number of things through the commission that he set up and also through an executive order to propel that process even faster by looking at how we can encourage the adoption of guidelines about the use of force that are acceptable , both to the community and to the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited reforms that Trump already has made , such as signing the First Step Act , a sweeping criminal justice reform law that eliminated the “ three strikes ” life-sentencing provision for some offenses and expanded judges ’ discretion in sentencing for nonviolent crimes .
More than 90 % of those benefiting from retroactive sentencing reductions in the new law are black Americans .
“ I ’ m blessed .
I teach , in prisons across our nation , men who are broken — the most broken men in our country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group , said at the Dallas event , adding : Before signing the criminal justice reform bill , Trump signed an executive order in March 2018 launching the Federal Interagency Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry Council to help those returning home from prison transition back into society with work skills and other tools .
The executive order in October establishing the law enforcement commission addresses some of the issues that surfaced after Floyd ’ s death .
In it , Trump said , among other things : The executive order states that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for public and private initiatives , ” including those in qualified opportunity zones defined in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 , to “ reduce crime and improve police-community relations.
” “ We found 270 action items to go directly into distressed communities to help the vulnerable people of America , ” said Scott Turner , chairman of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council .
“ And we ’ ve built tremendous coalitions , partnerships on the ground .
We ’ ve been to over 60 cities .
”

The Trump administration had established a commission on reforming police well before the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis pushed the subject to the top of the national debate.
Last October, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. He tasked the commission with looking at how to improve police departments’ community relations and how a lack of respect for law enforcement affects public safety and the rule of law.
“With this commission, you’re going to see so many reforms come out of it. It could not have come at a better time,” commission member Frederick Frazier, a 24-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, said at a roundtable discussion Thursday with Trump and other administration officials in Dallas.
“We can’t take back what happened in Minnesota. Not one officer that saw that — or federal officer that saw that — said that was the right thing that happened,” said Frazier, who is also a member of the city council in nearby McKinney, Texas.
“We condemn it,” he said of Floyd’s death at the hands of police during an arrest. “If I could have trade places with Mr. Floyd, I would, because I would die for everyone in this room, because that’s our job.”
This prompted applause from the audience as Frazier added: “And if I could trade places with any one of those officers who were there, I would have done that too, because I wouldn’t have let that happen.”
The commission already has conducted nine hearings, held 35 panels, heard from 125 witnesses, and taken 190 written statements, Frazier said.
The executive order for the commission seemed to address at least some of the issues being talked about in the wake of Floyd’s death with regard to helping underserved communities.
The reforms will include national standards, Trump said during the Dallas event as he announced that more executive actions are on the way.
“We’re working to finalize an executive order that will encourage police departments nationwide to meet the most current professional standards for the use of force, including tactics for de-escalation,” Trump said. “Also, we’ll encourage pilot programs that allow social workers to join certain law enforcement officers so that they work together.”
Although reforms are in order, Trump was clear on one point.
“We’re not defunding police,” the president said. “If anything, we’re going the other route: We’re going to make sure that our police are well trained, perfectly trained, [and] they have the best equipment.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Attorney General William Barr, who chaired the meeting Thursday, indicated that some responsibilities shouldered by police officers could be changed as part of the reforms.
“More and more, our police are being asked to deal with problems that haven’t previously been the problem of law enforcement,” Barr said. “They have to deal with homeless people. They have to deal with a lot of mental health issues. They have to deal with, you know, drug addiction, the drug addicts, and so forth. And providing some additional support to the police in these areas is going to be important.”
At least some elements of the “Defund the Police” movement are calling for total abolition of police forces and replace them with social workers.
Trump’s executive order says the commission will examine “challenges to law enforcement associated with mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse, and other social factors that influence crime and strain criminal justice resources.”
House Democrats announced legislation on police reforms in response to Floyd’s death, a second-degree murder charge against former officer Derek Chauvin and charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder against the other three fired officers involved. Among other things, the bill would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, mandate dashboard cameras for police vehicles, establish a national police misconduct registry, and make it easier to prosecute officers and sue individual officers.
Barr said the Trump administration, through the commission’s actions, has been moving for a while toward relevant reforms.
“We’ve never had a president who is more committed to reforming law enforcement,” Barr said of Trump at the Dallas gathering, noting that he was the first president to establish a police reform commission since President Lyndon B. Johnson, a favorite son of Texas.
The White House notes that the Trump administration also restored Project Safe Neighborhoods, a partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to help reduce violent crime in communities around the country.
During the Trump administration, murder and other violent crime fell for two consecutive years, according to the White House. The number of murders in America’s major cities declined by more than 10%.
“We’re working on a number of things through the commission that he set up and also through an executive order to propel that process even faster by looking at how we can encourage the adoption of guidelines about the use of force that are acceptable, both to the community and to the police profession,” Barr said.
Barr cited reforms that Trump already has made, such as signing the First Step Act, a sweeping criminal justice reform law that eliminated the “three strikes” life-sentencing provision for some offenses and expanded judges’ discretion in sentencing for nonviolent crimes. More than 90% of those benefiting from retroactive sentencing reductions in the new law are black Americans.
“I’m blessed. I teach, in prisons across our nation, men who are broken — the most broken men in our country,” Jack Brewer, CEO of the Brewer Group, said at the Dallas event, adding:
Our Bible teaches us to serve those in prison. Our Bible teaches us to serve the poor. And when I walk into my class and I say, ‘Guys, raise your hand if you’ve gotten your sentence reduced from the First Step Act?’ And every single one of them raised their hand. That’s because of you, Mr. President, and that’s because of [your] policy.
Before signing the criminal justice reform bill, Trump signed an executive order in March 2018 launching the Federal Interagency Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry Council to help those returning home from prison transition back into society with work skills and other tools.
The executive order in October establishing the law enforcement commission addresses some of the issues that surfaced after Floyd’s death. In it, Trump said, among other things:
My administration is focused on reducing crime, and the social and economic problems — including family and neighborhood disintegration — that contribute to criminal behavior. In addition, the continued malign activity of transnational criminal organizations and the widespread abuse of drugs trafficked by such groups, are challenges that confront our communities and law enforcement in their efforts to keep the American people safe.
The executive order states that the commission should look at “the potential for public and private initiatives,” including those in qualified opportunity zones defined in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, to “reduce crime and improve police-community relations.”
“We found 270 action items to go directly into distressed communities to help the vulnerable people of America,” said Scott Turner, chairman of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. “And we’ve built tremendous coalitions, partnerships on the ground. We’ve been to over 60 cities.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


Freedom? Yeah, Right!

When Pope Francis came to the United States in September 2015 , he quoted the Declaration of Independence while addressing Congress : “ We hold these truths to be self-evident , that all men are created equal , that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights , that among these are life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
” His comments on the primary ( albeit sometimes forgotten at barbecues and fireworks displays ) reason we celebrate Independence Day could be a meditation for an election year during a pandemic : “ If politics must truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , it follows that it can not be a slave to the economy and finance .
Politics is , instead , an expression of our compelling need to live as one , in order to build as one the greatest common good : that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share , in justice and peace , its goods , its interests , its social life.
” How much of the violence in the streets has been about our failure to build such a community ?
Father Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York , recounted a story of walking in Manhattan and being asked by a black construction worker if he was on his way to protest and take to the knee , as they say .
He explained that his kind of protest , of which he ’ s been doing a lot of lately , is prayer .
He said that for Christians , the greatest protest involved “ crying out to God for forgiveness for the evil of racism , for the wicked killing of George Floyd and other victims , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looting that has harmed so many businesses and led most others to have to board up their windows .
We drop to our knees and beg God for help to fight against and repair these evils.
” That seems in keeping with some of what the Philos Project , a Christian advocacy group , is hearing , during a recent fact-finding trip to Minneapolis .
One activist in the neighborhood where George Floyd was killed told them : “ This is a spiritual war … The devil is trying to destroy this land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the hearts of the white majority .
But the white majority has lost its belief in God.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
In another tweet from the ground , Philos founder and executive director Robert Nicholson quoted former mayoral candidate and local activist Al Flowers : “ ‘ Outsiders turned our movement into something else , ’ talking about non-local rioters .
‘ But we are a God-fearing people .
They want an America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an America we want . '
” This all , of course , brings to mind Martin Luther King Jr. , who wasn ’ t just a pivotal martyr of the civil rights movement , but one of America ’ s greatest preachers .
Pope Francis cited him , too , during his congressional address , talking about King ’ s dream “ which continues to inspire us all .
I am happy that America continues to be , for many , a land of ‘ dreams.
’ Dreams which lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dreams which awaken what is deepest and truest in the life of a people.
” Which Side are We Fighting on ?
But how much of what we are seeing these days is about freedom ?
Or about anger and despair , even ?
Is it about fear ?
There ’ s such a thing , of course , as righteous anger , which King had , but some of what we have been seeing is not an aspirational anger , but a destructive force .
If it ’ s a spiritual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure which side we ’ re fighting on .
Every political party and well-intentioned cause can be corrupted and swayed by greed or vanity .
That ’ s one of the reasons King kept his eyes on God when he spoke .
We want to uplift the human soul , not drag it down deeper into an abyss that stifles the ability to dream .
Freedom is not life in the dark .
One last thing from the pope ’ s address to Congress : He quoted the American monk Thomas Merton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Storey Mountain ” : “ I came into the world .
Free by nature , in the image of God , I was nevertheless the prisoner of my own violence and my own selfishness , in the image of the world into which I was born .
That world was the picture of Hell , full of men like myself , loving God , and yet hating him ; born to love him , living instead in fear of hopeless self-contradictory hungers.
” Freedom is found in gratitude , realizing that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were born to find it .
The rest is distractive and destructive .
Embracing this notion , we can truly celebrate independence in a few weeks , pandemic or not .
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute , editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics : Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living .
She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan ’ s pro-life commission in New York .
She can be contacted at klopez @ nationalreview.com .

When Pope Francis came to the United States in September 2015, he quoted the Declaration of Independence while addressing Congress: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
His comments on the primary (albeit sometimes forgotten at barbecues and fireworks displays) reason we celebrate Independence Day could be a meditation for an election year during a pandemic: “If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance. Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life.”
The Greatest Protest
How much of the violence in the streets has been about our failure to build such a community? Father Roger Landry, a priest currently serving in New York, recounted a story of walking in Manhattan and being asked by a black construction worker if he was on his way to protest and take to the knee, as they say. He explained that his kind of protest, of which he’s been doing a lot of lately, is prayer. He said that for Christians, the greatest protest involved “crying out to God for forgiveness for the evil of racism, for the wicked killing of George Floyd and other victims, for the sinister rampage of destruction and looting that has harmed so many businesses and led most others to have to board up their windows. We drop to our knees and beg God for help to fight against and repair these evils.”
A Spiritual War
That seems in keeping with some of what the Philos Project, a Christian advocacy group, is hearing, during a recent fact-finding trip to Minneapolis. One activist in the neighborhood where George Floyd was killed told them: “This is a spiritual war … The devil is trying to destroy this land … It will not change until we change the hearts of the white majority. But the white majority has lost its belief in God.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In another tweet from the ground, Philos founder and executive director Robert Nicholson quoted former mayoral candidate and local activist Al Flowers: “‘Outsiders turned our movement into something else,’ talking about non-local rioters. ‘But we are a God-fearing people. They want an America without churches, but that’s not an America we want.'”
King’s Dream
This all, of course, brings to mind Martin Luther King Jr., who wasn’t just a pivotal martyr of the civil rights movement, but one of America’s greatest preachers. Pope Francis cited him, too, during his congressional address, talking about King’s dream “which continues to inspire us all. I am happy that America continues to be, for many, a land of ‘dreams.’ Dreams which lead to action, to participation, to commitment. Dreams which awaken what is deepest and truest in the life of a people.”
Which Side are We Fighting on?
But how much of what we are seeing these days is about freedom? Or about anger and despair, even? Is it about fear? There’s such a thing, of course, as righteous anger, which King had, but some of what we have been seeing is not an aspirational anger, but a destructive force. If it’s a spiritual war going on, let’s make sure which side we’re fighting on. Every political party and well-intentioned cause can be corrupted and swayed by greed or vanity. That’s one of the reasons King kept his eyes on God when he spoke. We want to uplift the human soul, not drag it down deeper into an abyss that stifles the ability to dream. Freedom is not life in the dark.
Freedom is Found in Gratitude
One last thing from the pope’s address to Congress: He quoted the American monk Thomas Merton, who wrote in “The Seven Storey Mountain”: “I came into the world. Free by nature, in the image of God, I was nevertheless the prisoner of my own violence and my own selfishness, in the image of the world into which I was born. That world was the picture of Hell, full of men like myself, loving God, and yet hating him; born to love him, living instead in fear of hopeless self-contradictory hungers.”
Freedom is found in gratitude, realizing that there is good in us all, and we were born to find it. The rest is distractive and destructive. Embracing this notion, we can truly celebrate independence in a few weeks, pandemic or not.
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics: Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living. She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan’s pro-life commission in New York. She can be contacted at [email protected].


thestream--2020-06-15--SCOTUS Rules Federal Employment Discrimination Laws Protect LGBT Employees

The United States Supreme Court ruled in a 6 to 3 decision Monday that federal law protects LGBT and transgender employees from discrimination .
Justices Neil Gorsuch and John Roberts joined the court ’ s four liberal judges in a landmark ruling that involved a 1964 civil rights law that barred discrimination of employees based on sex , according to USA Today .
The Supreme Court had examined whether the statutory protections should be understood to include both sexual orientation and gender identity .
Justices Samuel Alito , Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh all dissented , the publication reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act might not have anticipated their work would lead to this particular result , ” Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion .
“ Likely , they weren ’ t thinking about many of the Act ’ s consequences that have become apparent over the years , including its prohibition against discrimination on the basis of motherhood or its ban on the sexual harassment of male employees.
” He continued : “ But the limits of the drafters ’ imagination supply no reason to ignore the law ’ s demands .
When the express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer and extratextual considerations suggest another , it ’ s no contest .
Only the written word is the law , and all persons are entitled to its benefit.
” Kavanaugh said in his dissenting opinion that “ in the face of the unsuccessful legislative efforts ( so far ) to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination , judges may not rewrite the law simply because of their own policy views.
” “ Notwithstanding my concern about the Court ’ s transgression of the Constitution ’ s separation of powers , it is appropriate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gay and lesbian Americans , ” Kavanaugh wrote in his dissent .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
“ Millions of gay and lesbian Americans have worked hard for many decades to achieve equal treatment in fact and in law .
They have exhibited extraordinary vision , tenacity , and grit — battling often steep odds in the legislative and judicial arenas , not to mention in their daily lives.
” He continued : “ They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pride in today ’ s result .
Under the Constitution ’ s separation of powers , however , I believe that it was Congress ’ s role , not this Court ’ s , to amend Title VII.
” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The United States Supreme Court ruled in a 6 to 3 decision Monday that federal law protects LGBT and transgender employees from discrimination.
Justices Neil Gorsuch and John Roberts joined the court’s four liberal judges in a landmark ruling that involved a 1964 civil rights law that barred discrimination of employees based on sex, according to USA Today. The Supreme Court had examined whether the statutory protections should be understood to include both sexual orientation and gender identity.
Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh all dissented, the publication reported.
“Those who adopted the Civil Rights Act might not have anticipated their work would lead to this particular result,” Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion. “Likely, they weren’t thinking about many of the Act’s consequences that have become apparent over the years, including its prohibition against discrimination on the basis of motherhood or its ban on the sexual harassment of male employees.”
He continued: “But the limits of the drafters’ imagination supply no reason to ignore the law’s demands. When the express terms of a statute give us one answer and extratextual considerations suggest another, it’s no contest. Only the written word is the law, and all persons are entitled to its benefit.”
Kavanaugh said in his dissenting opinion that “in the face of the unsuccessful legislative efforts (so far) to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination, judges may not rewrite the law simply because of their own policy views.”
“Notwithstanding my concern about the Court’s transgression of the Constitution’s separation of powers, it is appropriate to acknowledge the important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans,” Kavanaugh wrote in his dissent.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“Millions of gay and lesbian Americans have worked hard for many decades to achieve equal treatment in fact and in law. They have exhibited extraordinary vision, tenacity, and grit — battling often steep odds in the legislative and judicial arenas, not to mention in their daily lives.”
He continued: “They have advanced powerful policy arguments and can take pride in today’s result. Under the Constitution’s separation of powers, however, I believe that it was Congress’s role, not this Court’s, to amend Title VII.”
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--2020-06-15--When a Good Quarterback Gets Sacked by Political Correctness

Some think that fortitude is a mere expression of physical prowess and raw strength .
Thus , for example , a quarterback like Drew Brees shows a lot of courage by being out there on the field .
He is the focus of the entire defensive line whose purpose is to bring him down .
These very strong and muscular men will hit him with great force that could lead to injury .
It takes fortitude to confront such dangers .
He must also lead his team to victory with his prowess .
He must display physical skills and bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must make controversial and risky calls .
Everything depends upon him .
His leadership role also takes fortitude since he must overcome surprises , obstacles and fears of failure .
However , fortitude involves much more than facing physical threats and obstacles .
It often takes more courage to face public opinion than a physical brute .
The scorn of others can cause the strongest man to quiver in fear .
Moral courage is much more valuable to the character of the person than mere physical abilities .
Recent comments by New Orleans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy that illustrates this important point .
Here was a Christian man who has led his team to many victories , including Super Bowl XLIV .
He was also an outstanding member of the New Orleans community , pouring millions into helping to rebuild after Katrina .
However , his “ politically incorrect ” comment set off a firestorm in which even his teammates turn against him , calling him an elitist full of “ white insensitivity ” living in his own world .
What was his crime ?
The famous sports figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ never agree with anyone disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.
” In normal times , this would be a typical patriotic statement .
It expresses love for the country .
He was referring to the disrespectful ( if trendy ) practice of “ taking a knee ” during the playing of the national anthem at games .
The dishonorable practice started with Colin Rand Kaepernick , then-quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers .
Brees assumed he could express his opinion about the practice even if others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of political correctness , such a statement , expressing a personal opinion , brought down upon him the scorn of the media and liberal establishment .
He had to face the mob and the risk of losing his job .
This situation called for him to be as strong off the field as he is on it .
He had to make a decision that required fortitude by standing up for his convictions , for principle , and the honor of our flag and national anthem .
The intense pressure had its effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , not only once but twice .
Indeed , the very Brees who faced charging linemen retreated in the face of the media blitz that overwhelmed him .
He chose the worst of all options .
Most of those whom he sought to appease will never forgive him and will always demand further concessions .
His apologies will likely never be enough and will mark his career from now on .
On the other hand , many who ’ ve supported him have lost respect for him because he would not stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convictions .
I mention Brees not to pile on , but to point out that he is far from alone .
The quarterback is a symbol of a greater issue .
America today lacks men who take the virtue of fortitude to the peaks of heroism .
People are too easily persuaded to conform to whatever seems popular at the moment with the enraged mob .
( Take Big Apple Mayor Bill De Blasio and his latest fumble .
In a mere 48 hours last week he went from rejecting outright the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the enthusiasm of a New York Giants cheerleader . )
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
These are dangerous times .
People are surrendering their freedom to express themselves .
However , sometimes all it takes to change society for the better is for a single hero or a group of brave individuals to challenge and call out the culture .
When such heroes move and assert themselves on the public stage , the riotous mob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leaders who are exemplars of fortitude get things done .
They do what is right for America .
They are driven by principle and honor .
They despise mob opinion and media-forged groupthink .
Fortitude is the virtue by which the appetites and passions are guided by the rational soul with courage and constancy .
It allows reason to dominate when situations cause fear and vacillation .
The person shines with constancy and courage .
The virtue educes the respect and admiration of others .
Indeed , fortitude helps people brave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstacles so that they might achieve their goals .
Saint Thomas Aquinas cites Cicero ( Rhet .
ii ) , who affirms that “ fortitude is the deliberate facing of dangers and bearing of toils.
” Those who practice fortitude in heroic measure risk losing all .
In the end , they gain everything , even if defeated .
They keep their honor and self-respect intact .
America needs leaders that can show this fortitude in the trying times ahead .
John Horvat , II is a scholar , researcher , educator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Return to Order .
He is vice president and a member of the board of directors for the American Society for the Defense of Tradition , Family and Property .

Some think that fortitude is a mere expression of physical prowess and raw strength.
Thus, for example, a quarterback like Drew Brees shows a lot of courage by being out there on the field. He is the focus of the entire defensive line whose purpose is to bring him down. These very strong and muscular men will hit him with great force that could lead to injury. It takes fortitude to confront such dangers.
He must also lead his team to victory with his prowess. He must display physical skills and bring his team down the field. He must make controversial and risky calls. Everything depends upon him. His leadership role also takes fortitude since he must overcome surprises, obstacles and fears of failure.
However, fortitude involves much more than facing physical threats and obstacles. It often takes more courage to face public opinion than a physical brute. The scorn of others can cause the strongest man to quiver in fear. Moral courage is much more valuable to the character of the person than mere physical abilities.
A Recent Controversy
Recent comments by New Orleans’ Saints quarterback Drew Brees created a controversy that illustrates this important point. Here was a Christian man who has led his team to many victories, including Super Bowl XLIV. He was also an outstanding member of the New Orleans community, pouring millions into helping to rebuild after Katrina.
However, his “politically incorrect” comment set off a firestorm in which even his teammates turn against him, calling him an elitist full of “white insensitivity” living in his own world.
What was his crime? The famous sports figure made an innocent comment that he would “never agree with anyone disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.”
In normal times, this would be a typical patriotic statement. It expresses love for the country. He was referring to the disrespectful (if trendy) practice of “taking a knee” during the playing of the national anthem at games. The dishonorable practice started with Colin Rand Kaepernick, then-quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. Brees assumed he could express his opinion about the practice even if others disagreed.
However, in these times of political correctness, such a statement, expressing a personal opinion, brought down upon him the scorn of the media and liberal establishment. He had to face the mob and the risk of losing his job. This situation called for him to be as strong off the field as he is on it. He had to make a decision that required fortitude by standing up for his convictions, for principle, and the honor of our flag and national anthem.
The Worst Possible Position
The intense pressure had its effect. Mr. Brees prompted apologized for his statement, not only once but twice. Indeed, the very Brees who faced charging linemen retreated in the face of the media blitz that overwhelmed him.
He chose the worst of all options. Most of those whom he sought to appease will never forgive him and will always demand further concessions. His apologies will likely never be enough and will mark his career from now on. On the other hand, many who’ve supported him have lost respect for him because he would not stand up for the national anthem and his convictions.
I mention Brees not to pile on, but to point out that he is far from alone. The quarterback is a symbol of a greater issue.
America today lacks men who take the virtue of fortitude to the peaks of heroism. People are too easily persuaded to conform to whatever seems popular at the moment with the enraged mob. (Take Big Apple Mayor Bill De Blasio and his latest fumble. In a mere 48 hours last week he went from rejecting outright the idea of cutting police funding to embracing it with the enthusiasm of a New York Giants cheerleader.)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
These are dangerous times. People are surrendering their freedom to express themselves. However, sometimes all it takes to change society for the better is for a single hero or a group of brave individuals to challenge and call out the culture. When such heroes move and assert themselves on the public stage, the riotous mob quickly and shamefully goes silent and disperses.
Leaders who are exemplars of fortitude get things done. They do what is right for America. They are driven by principle and honor. They despise mob opinion and media-forged groupthink.
The Virtue of Fortitude
Fortitude is the virtue by which the appetites and passions are guided by the rational soul with courage and constancy. It allows reason to dominate when situations cause fear and vacillation. The person shines with constancy and courage. The virtue educes the respect and admiration of others.
Indeed, fortitude helps people brave the greatest dangers and resist intense persecution and obstacles so that they might achieve their goals. Saint Thomas Aquinas cites Cicero (Rhet. ii), who affirms that “fortitude is the deliberate facing of dangers and bearing of toils.”
Those who practice fortitude in heroic measure risk losing all. In the end, they gain everything, even if defeated. They keep their honor and self-respect intact. America needs leaders that can show this fortitude in the trying times ahead.
John Horvat, II is a scholar, researcher, educator, international speaker and author of the book Return to Order. He is vice president and a member of the board of directors for the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property.


thestream--2020-06-15--We’re Not Buying Joe Biden’s ‘Tough on China’ Act

Joe Biden is running away from his record as the “ pro-China ” candidate so quickly , his defenders in the liberal press can ’ t make heads nor tails of it .
Ordinary Americans are equally confused .
Biden spent over three decades opening American markets to Chinese goods , ignoring China ’ s abhorrent human rights record , and dismissing the challenge posed by our greatest rival for global leadership .
The “ made in China ” era coincided with the closure of tens of thousands of American factories , stagnant working class wages , and the loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential goods domestically — a vulnerability that took on incredible significance when we learned that we were dependent upon China to produce the medical equipment needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
This disaster was facilitated by politicians of both parties , and no one was more gung ho than Joe Biden , poster child for the globalism that reigned supreme until the 2016 presidential election , which Donald J. Trump won by campaigning on a platform diametrically opposed to the “ open markets and open borders ” philosophy of the D.C. establishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump became the first American leader in decades to take a firm stand against China ’ s malfeasance and demand a genuinely fair and reciprocal trade deal for American workers .
While Joe Biden was the Vice President of the United States , conversely , he was downplaying the consequences of China ’ s rise — even as his own family tried to get rich through deals with Chinese state-owned companies .
How is it possible , then , that Biden has suddenly tried to recast himself as the “ tough-on-China ” candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s campaign even ran an ad claiming the President “ rolled over for the Chinese ” in response to the coronavirus that Beijing unleashed on the world .
It ’ s one of the most poorly-executed flip-flops in American electoral history , coming just months after Biden called President Trump ’ s life-saving ban on most travel from China “ hysterical xenophobia.
” Literally no one is buying it .
Everyone knows about President Trump ’ s record of success in bringing China to the negotiating table through strategic counter-tariffs .
The “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inked earlier this year represents the first major trade concessions from China in a generation .
Even the fanatical free traders who actually liked Biden ’ s globalism see right through his new facade .
The libertarians at the Cato Institute , for instance , published an article acknowledging that Biden ’ s reversal is “ futile ” and “ inherently lacks credibility.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Even the intellectual left is aghast at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Atlantic called it “ utterly futile ” and “ pointless — even dangerous.
” The New York Times published an op-ed all but begging Biden to drop the act .
If even his own supporters are rolling their eyes at Biden play-acting as a China skeptic , why are he and his team even bothering to attempt the deception ?
The answer is simple .
Americans have finally woken up to the economic and national security threat posed by China .
The coronavirus pandemic made that threat impossible to ignore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ November as the “ pro-Beijing ” candidate .
Unfortunately for Joe Biden , he ’ s been the “ pro-Beijing ” candidate throughout his political career , and there ’ s a decades-long record to prove it .
Ken Blackwell served as mayor of Cincinnati , Ohio Treasurer , a U.S .
Ambassador to the UN ; he currently serves on the board of directors for Club For Growth .

Joe Biden is running away from his record as the “pro-China” candidate so quickly, his defenders in the liberal press can’t make heads nor tails of it. Ordinary Americans are equally confused.
Biden’s Pro-China Track Record
Biden spent over three decades opening American markets to Chinese goods, ignoring China’s abhorrent human rights record, and dismissing the challenge posed by our greatest rival for global leadership. The “made in China” era coincided with the closure of tens of thousands of American factories, stagnant working class wages, and the loss of America’s ability to produce essential goods domestically — a vulnerability that took on incredible significance when we learned that we were dependent upon China to produce the medical equipment needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Poster Child for Globalism
This disaster was facilitated by politicians of both parties, and no one was more gung ho than Joe Biden, poster child for the globalism that reigned supreme until the 2016 presidential election, which Donald J. Trump won by campaigning on a platform diametrically opposed to the “open markets and open borders” philosophy of the D.C. establishment. In the White House, President Trump became the first American leader in decades to take a firm stand against China’s malfeasance and demand a genuinely fair and reciprocal trade deal for American workers.
While Joe Biden was the Vice President of the United States, conversely, he was downplaying the consequences of China’s rise — even as his own family tried to get rich through deals with Chinese state-owned companies.
How is it possible, then, that Biden has suddenly tried to recast himself as the “tough-on-China” candidate in the 2020 race?
Biden’s Flip Flop on China
Biden’s campaign even ran an ad claiming the President “rolled over for the Chinese” in response to the coronavirus that Beijing unleashed on the world. It’s one of the most poorly-executed flip-flops in American electoral history, coming just months after Biden called President Trump’s life-saving ban on most travel from China “hysterical xenophobia.”
Literally no one is buying it. Everyone knows about President Trump’s record of success in bringing China to the negotiating table through strategic counter-tariffs. The “Phase One” trade deal that was inked earlier this year represents the first major trade concessions from China in a generation. Even the fanatical free traders who actually liked Biden’s globalism see right through his new facade. The libertarians at the Cato Institute, for instance, published an article acknowledging that Biden’s reversal is “futile” and “inherently lacks credibility.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Even the intellectual left is aghast at Biden’s fake toughness on China. The Atlantic called it “utterly futile” and “pointless — even dangerous.” The New York Times published an op-ed all but begging Biden to drop the act.
If even his own supporters are rolling their eyes at Biden play-acting as a China skeptic, why are he and his team even bothering to attempt the deception?
The answer is simple. Americans have finally woken up to the economic and national security threat posed by China. The coronavirus pandemic made that threat impossible to ignore. No one wants to go into this November as the “pro-Beijing” candidate.
Unfortunately for Joe Biden, he’s been the “pro-Beijing” candidate throughout his political career, and there’s a decades-long record to prove it.
Ken Blackwell served as mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio Treasurer, a U.S. Ambassador to the UN; he currently serves on the board of directors for Club For Growth.


thestream--2020-06-15--Mueller Witness Said Manafort Might Have Given Russian Oligarch’s Money to Pro-McCain Group

Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain was known throughout his political career as a staunch Russia hawk , opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s aggression in Eastern Europe and serving as one of the conduits to the FBI for the infamous dossier that alleged a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Kremlin in 2016 .
But testimony from a key witness in the special counsel ’ s probe suggests that McCain might have received Russian help of his own during his 2008 presidential campaign .
Rick Gates , who served as deputy chairman of the Trump campaign , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 that his former boss , Paul Manafort , might have contributed to a pro-McCain dark money group from a shell company he controlled that was funded by a Russian oligarch with close ties to Putin .
Gates told prosecutors he believed Manafort contributed to the group Americans for Patriotism through his Cyprus-based shell company , LOAV , Ltd .
He also said that Oleg Deripaska , a Russian aluminum magnate , funded LOAV .
“ Gates stated he heard that a Paul Manafort-controlled Cypriot account , LOAV , contributed money to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds in the LOAV account were from Oleg Deripaska , a Russian oligarch , ” read the FBI notes of Gates ’ s Feb. 28 , 2018 , interview .
The FBI released the summary and other interview documents from the special counsel ’ s probe as part of a lawsuit filed by BuzzFeed and CNN .
The notes do not show if Gates said whether McCain was aware of the source of the funds , or whether Deripaska knew that Manafort provided it to the group supporting McCain ’ s failed presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much money Manafort sent to Americans for Patriotism .
There is little public information about Americans for Patriotism .
It is mentioned in a 2019 study from the liberal Center for American Progress regarding dark money groups ’ political influence .
Deripaska , a close ally of Putin , sued Manafort in 2014 for misappropriating funds from a joint partnership they formed to conduct business in Ukraine .
Manafort used LOAV , Ltd. to fund projects in Uzbekistan , Tajikistan and Georgia , The Associated Press reported on March 22 , 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push those nations closer to the Russian government , according to the AP .
The New York Times reported on July 19 , 2017 , that Deripaska previously loaned $ 7.8 million to LOAV Advisers .
McCain ’ s links to Deripaska have come under scrutiny in the past .
Rick Davis , a Manafort business partner and McCain campaign manager , reportedly introduced Deripaska to McCain in 2007 .
Months later , according to The Atlantic , Manafort and Davis took McCain to Deripaska ’ s yacht for his 70th birthday celebration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a letter from his fellow Republican , Sen. Chuck Grassley , who asked the FBI whether the McCain campaign was ever provided a defensive briefing regarding Deripaska and other Russians .
“ Facts are stubborn things , and the fact is , no member of Congress has done more to push back on Russian aggression , human rights abuses , and corruption than Senator John McCain , ” a McCain spokeswoman said in response to Grassley ’ s letter .
She added : “ Any suggestion to the contrary is clearly intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Russia ’ s interference in our election system.
” After revelations regarding Manafort ’ s case in 2017 , McCain called the disclosures “ serious stuff , ” and said that “ other shoes will drop.
” McCain died after a battle with cancer on Aug. 25 , 2018 .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Gates , who began working for Manafort in 2006 , cooperated extensively with the special counsel ’ s investigation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges related to his work with Manafort .
He provided intricate financial and strategic details of Manafort ’ s consulting work .
His statements regarding the funding for the McCain campaign have not been previously publicized , and did not come up at Manafort ’ s trial .
Manafort was convicted on Aug. 21 , 2018 , on money laundering and tax evasion charges related to consulting work he did with Gates in Ukraine .
He is serving out his 90-month prison sentence in home confinement .
He could not be reached for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years probation in December 2019 .
Deripaska hired Davis Manafort Partners , the firm co-founded by Davis and Manafort , in 2005 to help secure business in Eastern Europe .
Deripaska introduced Manafort in 2005 to Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov , according to the special counsel ’ s report .
Akhmetov hired DMP as a consultant for the Party of Regions , a Ukrainian political party viewed as supportive of Russia .
DMP would go on to help Party of Regions candidate Viktor Yanukovych win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel ’ s report does not cite Gates ’ s statements about the McCain campaign , but it does include a section regarding Manafort and Davis ’ s relationship with Deripaska .
It says that Deripaska became the sole investor in 2007 in an investment fund that Manafort and Davis founded called Pericles Emerging Market Partners , L.P .
The report cites a memo from DMP to Deripaska on June 23 , 2005 , in which Manafort described his work for Deripaska in former Soviet republics .
The memo also suggested providing briefings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his work for the “ Putin government.
” Gates also discussed a company that Manafort formed with Davis that provided web services to the McCain campaign .
Gates said that LOAV “ fronted ” the money for that firm , 3EDC .
He said that he did not know if the money that LOAV provided to 3EDC originated from Deripaska .
3EDC , which managed the McCain campaign ’ s website , billed the campaign more than $ 1 million through 2007 , The New York Times previously reported .
A London-based lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request for comment .
Davis also did not respond to a request for comment .
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 .

Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain was known throughout his political career as a staunch Russia hawk, opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Eastern Europe and serving as one of the conduits to the FBI for the infamous dossier that alleged a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Kremlin in 2016.
But testimony from a key witness in the special counsel’s probe suggests that McCain might have received Russian help of his own during his 2008 presidential campaign.
Rick Gates, who served as deputy chairman of the Trump campaign, told the special counsel’s team in August 2018 that his former boss, Paul Manafort, might have contributed to a pro-McCain dark money group from a shell company he controlled that was funded by a Russian oligarch with close ties to Putin.
Gates told prosecutors he believed Manafort contributed to the group Americans for Patriotism through his Cyprus-based shell company, LOAV, Ltd. He also said that Oleg Deripaska, a Russian aluminum magnate, funded LOAV.
“Gates stated he heard that a Paul Manafort-controlled Cypriot account, LOAV, contributed money to the 501c(4), and the funds in the LOAV account were from Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch,” read the FBI notes of Gates’s Feb. 28, 2018, interview.
The FBI released the summary and other interview documents from the special counsel’s probe as part of a lawsuit filed by BuzzFeed and CNN.
The notes do not show if Gates said whether McCain was aware of the source of the funds, or whether Deripaska knew that Manafort provided it to the group supporting McCain’s failed presidential campaign. Gates also did not say how much money Manafort sent to Americans for Patriotism.
There is little public information about Americans for Patriotism. It is mentioned in a 2019 study from the liberal Center for American Progress regarding dark money groups’ political influence.
Deripaska, a close ally of Putin, sued Manafort in 2014 for misappropriating funds from a joint partnership they formed to conduct business in Ukraine.
Manafort used LOAV, Ltd. to fund projects in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Georgia, The Associated Press reported on March 22, 2017.
The consulting work was intended to push those nations closer to the Russian government, according to the AP.
The New York Times reported on July 19, 2017, that Deripaska previously loaned $7.8 million to LOAV Advisers.
McCain’s links to Deripaska have come under scrutiny in the past. Rick Davis, a Manafort business partner and McCain campaign manager, reportedly introduced Deripaska to McCain in 2007. Months later, according to The Atlantic, Manafort and Davis took McCain to Deripaska’s yacht for his 70th birthday celebration.
In September 2017, McCain bristled at a letter from his fellow Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, who asked the FBI whether the McCain campaign was ever provided a defensive briefing regarding Deripaska and other Russians.
“Facts are stubborn things, and the fact is, no member of Congress has done more to push back on Russian aggression, human rights abuses, and corruption than Senator John McCain,” a McCain spokeswoman said in response to Grassley’s letter.
She added: “Any suggestion to the contrary is clearly intended to distract from the serious ongoing investigations into Russia’s interference in our election system.”
After revelations regarding Manafort’s case in 2017, McCain called the disclosures “serious stuff,” and said that “other shoes will drop.”
McCain died after a battle with cancer on Aug. 25, 2018.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Gates, who began working for Manafort in 2006, cooperated extensively with the special counsel’s investigation as part of a plea deal to avoid charges related to his work with Manafort. He provided intricate financial and strategic details of Manafort’s consulting work. His statements regarding the funding for the McCain campaign have not been previously publicized, and did not come up at Manafort’s trial.
Manafort was convicted on Aug. 21, 2018, on money laundering and tax evasion charges related to consulting work he did with Gates in Ukraine. He is serving out his 90-month prison sentence in home confinement.
He could not be reached for comment for this story.
Gates was sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years probation in December 2019.
Deripaska hired Davis Manafort Partners, the firm co-founded by Davis and Manafort, in 2005 to help secure business in Eastern Europe. Deripaska introduced Manafort in 2005 to Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, according to the special counsel’s report.
Akhmetov hired DMP as a consultant for the Party of Regions, a Ukrainian political party viewed as supportive of Russia. DMP would go on to help Party of Regions candidate Viktor Yanukovych win the presidency in 2010.
The special counsel’s report does not cite Gates’s statements about the McCain campaign, but it does include a section regarding Manafort and Davis’s relationship with Deripaska.
It says that Deripaska became the sole investor in 2007 in an investment fund that Manafort and Davis founded called Pericles Emerging Market Partners, L.P.
The report cites a memo from DMP to Deripaska on June 23, 2005, in which Manafort described his work for Deripaska in former Soviet republics. The memo also suggested providing briefings for the Kremlin touting the benefits of his work for the “Putin government.”
Gates also discussed a company that Manafort formed with Davis that provided web services to the McCain campaign.
Gates said that LOAV “fronted” the money for that firm, 3EDC. He said that he did not know if the money that LOAV provided to 3EDC originated from Deripaska.
3EDC, which managed the McCain campaign’s website, billed the campaign more than $1 million through 2007, The New York Times previously reported.
A London-based lawyer for Deripaska did not respond to a request for comment. Davis also did not respond to a request for comment.
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].


Destabilization of America

It seems that everyone is sensing the destabilization of America .
Books could be written on how we got to this point .
Books have been written , for example Robert Reilly ’ s America on Trial .
But let me offer just a few thoughts from a biblical perspective .
Unless you have beaten Elon Musk to the punch and have been on Mars for the last decade , you ’ ve clearly seen how many in the secular media purposely create false narratives , and use lies and carefully edited half-truths to push their agenda .
They withhold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers who have been killed recently , or statistics on support for police .
By deliberately failing to highlight the positives alongside the negatives , they create the illusion of an imbalance where one does not exist .
For example , two years ago a deputy sheriff who attends our church in southern California had to pull over on the 101 freeway and resuscitate a black female suffering from a drug overdose .
I tried to contact several news outlets .
No one wanted to run the story .
The lesson here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get our information .
Much of the media would love to see America fail .
( Notice , for example , the glorifying of the anarchist Antifa ’ s “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ” or CNN ’ s Chris Cuomo asking , “ Who says protest has to be peaceful ?
” Or the New York Times pushing the lie that the United States was really founded in 1619 with the first slaves , not 1776 when we declared our independence from England . )
This is appalling ; we should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enemy Within Many are coming to believe we are witnessing an orchestrated attempt to destroy our economy and disrupt the November elections .
Peaceful protests are infiltrated by hate groups paid by individuals with deep pockets to create confusion and chaos .
Why is there such a huge upheaval ?
It ’ s simple .
The current administration is working to minimize the murdering of babies .
They are also very concerned about trying to do the right thing the right way with racial issues .
They are being a terror to terrorists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to Washington and the nation ’ s schools .
And they want to remove the pulpit-silencing Johnson Amendment .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Christians with godly values are being promoted to some of the highest offices in America .
The president is surrounding himself with godly counsel .
There is a love for Israel .
They are honoring hard work and minimizing free handouts .
The list of biblical accomplishments is impressive .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : A battle for the soul of our nation .
God doesn ’ t judge a nation based on the character of one man , He judges it based on the spiritual health of its people .
Never forget that .
Those waving banners of tolerance are often the most intolerant of those who oppose them , as Birmingham pastor Chris Hodges discovered .
Tony Perkins writes , “ A handful of likes were all it took to make the biggest church in Alabama homeless.
” Believe it or not , “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pastor ’ s likes on Facebook and then share them with the press .
This motivated local high schools to revoke the church ’ s lease — a church that has spent decades helping the less fortunate in Birmingham , most recently during the COVID-19 crisis .
( Read Stream founder James Robison ’ s conversation with Pastor Hodges about those efforts here . )
Am I the only one who sees the hypocrisy of school district “ leaders ” and teachers who behave in this manner while crying out for tolerance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that there is a 40 percent approval rate for our president among black voters , if you listen to the secular media , you would think that it ’ s closer to 4 percent .
Yes , racism runs deep in America , but only changed hearts can solve that .
And keep in mind that revisionists began to rewrite history many years ago , portraying all white people as racists .
The actual numbers are very small ; the vast majority are not racists , and there are black racists too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans and must unite against our common enemy : It ’ s a sin problem , not a skin problem .
White people feel the dynamic too .
There are certain places in my community , such as parks , where I can no longer go , for fear of being profiled because of the media-created false narrative .
You won ’ t find it in many of the modern history books , but the truth is many of the Founding Fathers in America abhorred slavery and fought against it .
But where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently saw a survey on Facebook that asked : “ Do you feel that most church leaders speak up about the real issues facing us today ?
” The overwhelming response was a very loud and clear “ No !
” Pastors , our people are looking to us to lead the way , but too many are exchanging truth for tolerance , boldness for “ balance , ” and conviction for cowardliness .
Many don ’ t want to offend for fear they might lose their audience .
Pastors , and Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the spiritual health of our nation .
And make no mistake , whether we accept that responsibility or not , God Himself will hold us accountable .
The pulpit inevitably sets the tone of the religious climate of the nation .
A culture void of God simply reflects the lack of conviction in the pulpit as well as the pew .
The silent pulpit is not God ’ s pulpit .
We must bend when needed , but not capitulate .
As Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. put it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pulpit , but invariably descends from the pulpit to the pew.
” I believe that the next hammer to fall — if the riots don ’ t accomplish their intended purpose — will be a spike in COVID-19 .
There is also a great deal going on behind the scenes with former generals and other elected and unelected officials working to undermine President Trump .
The real reason , in many cases , is because many of these people are holdovers from the last administration ( or are Deep State fixtures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upset and seeking to be divisive .
It ’ s a strategic ploy designed to protect themselves , especially as subpoenas are being served , crimes investigated , perversion exposed .
This is a key reason behind the huge upheaval .
Kingdoms are colliding .
All of this is a clear case of the latter half of Romans 1 .
People are rejecting God , and He is giving them over to a debased and corrupted mind .
How else can they justify killing children while promoting deviant sexual behavior ?
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What ’ s happening in America is a form of psychological warfare .
Elevate stress to the point of exhaustion ( “ Stay at home !
” ) .
Then fuel fear so that people give up their rights ( “ Go to church and you may be committing murder.
” ) .
Then put blame on you for the wrongs of the nation , if you have a certain skin color .
( “ You ’ re a racist !
” ) How do we win this psychological battle ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must saturate our minds in the Word and ways of God .
We need to look up at God and not look around at what is going on .
Churches need prayer meetings and worship nights , even if it ’ s just a small group of people .
God doesn ’ t look for huge crowds , He looks for broken hearts .
America ’ s heart needs to break so that deep repentance will take place .
Yes , much of the chaos does have to do with the upcoming vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( For example , note the spike in Black Lives Matter , Inc. ’ s activities in 2016 and 2020 .
Election years .
Or blaming Trump , who was a real estate developer until four years ago , for “ systemic racism , ” while supporting Democratic politicians who have run the system in major cities for generations .
Or have been in the halls of Congress for decades . )
But do we really think that we can flood our homes with porn , murder millions of children , satisfy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addiction , mock God ’ s Word , declare war on the family , excuse racism , promote self-centered politicians , and idolize celebrity pastors who tip-toe around sin , and expect a wonderful life for our nation ?
No , we can not .
Something else is coming down , too : an ungodly foundation .
Isaiah 30:1 sheds much-needed light on what is happening : “ Woe to the rebellious children , ” declares the LORD , “ Who execute a plan , but not Mine , and make an alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to add sin to sin.
” ( NASB ) As in the prophet Joel ’ s day , “ joy has withered away from the sons of men ” ( Joel 1:12 ) .
Instead of complaining , though , we need to obey God , who says , “ Consecrate a fast , call a sacred assembly ; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God , and cry out to the Lord ” ( v. 14 ) .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York ’ s Mayor Bill DeBlasio worked so hard to keep churches and synagogues closed ?
In a sense , God is saying , “ How bad do you want deliverance ?
” Will you turn to Me with all your heart ?
Will you starve the flesh in order to be filled with the Spirit via prayer and fasting ?
Will you humble yourself and repent ?
If we do , God is merciful and slow to anger .
But we must stop confusing His patience with His approval .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Destabilization of America ” here .
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network .
His program , Regaining Lost Ground , points us back to God and reminds us that although times change , truth does not .
His books , blogs , and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com .

It seems that everyone is sensing the destabilization of America. Books could be written on how we got to this point. Books have been written, for example Robert Reilly’s America on Trial. But let me offer just a few thoughts from a biblical perspective.
Destabilization by False Information
Unless you have beaten Elon Musk to the punch and have been on Mars for the last decade, you’ve clearly seen how many in the secular media purposely create false narratives, and use lies and carefully edited half-truths to push their agenda. They withhold information, such as all the black police officers who have been killed recently, or statistics on support for police. By deliberately failing to highlight the positives alongside the negatives, they create the illusion of an imbalance where one does not exist.
For example, two years ago a deputy sheriff who attends our church in southern California had to pull over on the 101 freeway and resuscitate a black female suffering from a drug overdose. I tried to contact several news outlets. No one wanted to run the story.
The lesson here is to be very careful about where we get our information. Much of the media would love to see America fail. (Notice, for example, the glorifying of the anarchist Antifa’s “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” or CNN’s Chris Cuomo asking, “Who says protest has to be peaceful?” Or the New York Times pushing the lie that the United States was really founded in 1619 with the first slaves, not 1776 when we declared our independence from England. ) This is appalling; we should not tolerate it.
Destabilization by the Enemy Within
Many are coming to believe we are witnessing an orchestrated attempt to destroy our economy and disrupt the November elections. Peaceful protests are infiltrated by hate groups paid by individuals with deep pockets to create confusion and chaos.
Why is there such a huge upheaval? It’s simple. The current administration is working to minimize the murdering of babies. They are also very concerned about trying to do the right thing the right way with racial issues. They are being a terror to terrorists and are bringing the Bible and God back to Washington and the nation’s schools. And they want to remove the pulpit-silencing Johnson Amendment.
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Christians with godly values are being promoted to some of the highest offices in America. The president is surrounding himself with godly counsel. There is a love for Israel. They are honoring hard work and minimizing free handouts. The list of biblical accomplishments is impressive.
Now you see what the real battle is: A battle for the soul of our nation. God doesn’t judge a nation based on the character of one man, He judges it based on the spiritual health of its people. Never forget that.
Destabilization by Intolerability
Those waving banners of tolerance are often the most intolerant of those who oppose them, as Birmingham pastor Chris Hodges discovered. Tony Perkins writes, “A handful of likes were all it took to make the biggest church in Alabama homeless.” Believe it or not, “a local English teacher decided to catalogue” the pastor’s likes on Facebook and then share them with the press. This motivated local high schools to revoke the church’s lease — a church that has spent decades helping the less fortunate in Birmingham, most recently during the COVID-19 crisis. (Read Stream founder James Robison’s conversation with Pastor Hodges about those efforts here.)
Am I the only one who sees the hypocrisy of school district “leaders” and teachers who behave in this manner while crying out for tolerance and justice?
Destabilization by Stoking Division
Even though Rasmussen recently reported that there is a 40 percent approval rate for our president among black voters, if you listen to the secular media, you would think that it’s closer to 4 percent. Yes, racism runs deep in America, but only changed hearts can solve that. And keep in mind that revisionists began to rewrite history many years ago, portraying all white people as racists. The actual numbers are very small; the vast majority are not racists, and there are black racists too.
We realize that we are all Americans and must unite against our common enemy: It’s a sin problem, not a skin problem. White people feel the dynamic too. There are certain places in my community, such as parks, where I can no longer go, for fear of being profiled because of the media-created false narrative. You won’t find it in many of the modern history books, but the truth is many of the Founding Fathers in America abhorred slavery and fought against it.
Destabilization Fueled by the Passive Pulpit
But where is the church in this? I recently saw a survey on Facebook that asked: “Do you feel that most church leaders speak up about the real issues facing us today?” The overwhelming response was a very loud and clear “No!”
Pastors, our people are looking to us to lead the way, but too many are exchanging truth for tolerance, boldness for “balance,” and conviction for cowardliness. Many don’t want to offend for fear they might lose their audience.
Pastors, and Christian leaders alike, we must take responsibility for the spiritual health of our nation. And make no mistake, whether we accept that responsibility or not, God Himself will hold us accountable. The pulpit inevitably sets the tone of the religious climate of the nation. A culture void of God simply reflects the lack of conviction in the pulpit as well as the pew. The silent pulpit is not God’s pulpit. We must bend when needed, but not capitulate.
As Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. put it, “Leadership never ascends from the pew to the pulpit, but invariably descends from the pulpit to the pew.”
Destabilization Because Kingdoms are Colliding
I believe that the next hammer to fall — if the riots don’t accomplish their intended purpose — will be a spike in COVID-19. There is also a great deal going on behind the scenes with former generals and other elected and unelected officials working to undermine President Trump. The real reason, in many cases, is because many of these people are holdovers from the last administration (or are Deep State fixtures). So of course they are upset and seeking to be divisive. It’s a strategic ploy designed to protect themselves, especially as subpoenas are being served, crimes investigated, perversion exposed.
This is a key reason behind the huge upheaval. Kingdoms are colliding. All of this is a clear case of the latter half of Romans 1. People are rejecting God, and He is giving them over to a debased and corrupted mind. How else can they justify killing children while promoting deviant sexual behavior? There is no fear of God in the land.
Psychological Warfare
What’s happening in America is a form of psychological warfare. Elevate stress to the point of exhaustion (“Stay at home!”). Then fuel fear so that people give up their rights (“Go to church and you may be committing murder.”). Then put blame on you for the wrongs of the nation, if you have a certain skin color. (“You’re a racist!”) How do we win this psychological battle (the battle of the mind)? We must saturate our minds in the Word and ways of God.
We need to look up at God and not look around at what is going on. Churches need prayer meetings and worship nights, even if it’s just a small group of people. God doesn’t look for huge crowds, He looks for broken hearts. America’s heart needs to break so that deep repentance will take place.
Yes, much of the chaos does have to do with the upcoming vote on Donald Trump’s re-election. (For example, note the spike in Black Lives Matter, Inc.’s activities in 2016 and 2020. Election years. Or blaming Trump, who was a real estate developer until four years ago, for “systemic racism,” while supporting Democratic politicians who have run the system in major cities for generations. Or have been in the halls of Congress for decades.)
But do we really think that we can flood our homes with porn, murder millions of children, satisfy the gods of alcohol, lust, and addiction, mock God’s Word, declare war on the family, excuse racism, promote self-centered politicians, and idolize celebrity pastors who tip-toe around sin, and expect a wonderful life for our nation? No, we cannot.
Patience is Not Approval
Something else is coming down, too: an ungodly foundation. Isaiah 30:1 sheds much-needed light on what is happening: “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “Who execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin.” (NASB)
As in the prophet Joel’s day, “joy has withered away from the sons of men” (Joel 1:12). Instead of complaining, though, we need to obey God, who says, “Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord” (v. 14). Is it no coincidence, anti-faith zealots like New York’s Mayor Bill DeBlasio worked so hard to keep churches and synagogues closed?
In a sense, God is saying, “How bad do you want deliverance?” Will you turn to Me with all your heart? Will you starve the flesh in order to be filled with the Spirit via prayer and fasting? Will you humble yourself and repent? If we do, God is merciful and slow to anger. But we must stop confusing His patience with His approval.
You can hear the impactful sermon, “The Destabilization of America” here.
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.