thestream--2020-09-29--The Catholic Case for Biden, Part I: This Tart Hasn’t Got Much Rat in it

Imagine that one political party today wanted to reintroduce black slavery in America .
Don ’ t laugh .
Thanks to the Obama/Biden administration ’ s meddling in Libya , the evil practice has reemerged in that country .
Let ’ s say that one presidential candidate looked at the slave markets in Libya .
And he asked himself , “ Why not here ?
” The Price of Anti-Racism : Too High ?
Perhaps his party ’ s leaders took seriously the claim of the 1619 Project .
You know , that the U.S. was settled and founded explicitly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or the assertions of Woke church leaders and academics .
They say that all of Western civilization , modern science , capitalism , and American culture — right down to the work ethic , punctuality , and workplace professionalism , according to the Smithsonian Institution — was predicated on racism .
How about the claim of Antiracism activists like Ibram X. Kendi ?
You know , that the only alternative to pro-white discrimination is anti-white discrimination .
Or the assertions by Black Lives Matter that the “ nuclear family , ” free market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all be dismantled , if we want to conquer white racism aimed at blacks .
Putting all of that together , one party decided , “ Nope , sorry .
Not worth it .
In fact , we never realized how crucial , productive , and fundamentally American white racism is .
We ’ d better get on the job and make white racism great again !
We can do that by repealing the 13th Amendment .
Or better yet , stacking the Supreme Court with five people willing to pretend it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still with us ?
So one of the parties is pro-slavery , while the other remains opposed .
And we ’ re weeks away from a presidential election pitting the pro- and the anti-slavery candidates .
Now imagine that the leaders of your church , facing this choice , issued a voter ’ s guide that featured 46 other issues in addition to bringing back slavery , to guide voters of faith in making their choice .
Now you know what it ’ s like to be a Catholic in America .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide exactly like that .
Except instead of black slavery , it tucks away as one of 47 issues the killing of almost a million unborn babies per year for sexual convenience .
Abortion sits alongside issues like the climate , labor unions , immigration policy , and education , like a rat ’ s head popping up in your slice of tart .
Some bishops and their staffers clearly think something like , “ It ’ s not all rat .
Just eat around it.
” It gets worse .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voter Guide .
It cites the bishops ’ 47-issue wishlist , and scores Donald Trump and Joe Biden in each category .
At first sight , and second , it seems to be an official publication of the bishops .
You need to click around a bit to realize … no .
It ’ s the product of a half-dozen people at third-tier institutions who fancy themselves experts on “ Catholic social teaching.
” As if that were some clearly defined , official ideology akin to Marxism or Sharia , instead of broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centuries .
But what if you ’ re a liberal Democrat , or a socialist , or someone tempted by the new post-Christian religion of Wokeness , but you still fancy yourself a Catholic ?
Especially if you want to claim to be “ pro-life.
” This site can be quite tempting .
It offers a handy series of pretexts for voting for the pro-slavery candidate , based on all those other issues .
Which are , of course , of completely equal weight to slavery .
And on which , wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
— the pro-slavery candidate just happens to score equal or better than the pro-freedom candidate .
Almost as if the writers of the guide were skewing the comparison .
You know , to make excuses for voters to back the pro-slavery guy .
( Sorry for the typos in preceding sentences — we ’ re writing on a short deadline .
For “ slavery ” please plug in “ abortion.
” Thank you ! )
We ’ re not bishops .
We don ’ t work for any third-tier Catholic institutions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ principled book on what it means to be consistently pro-life .
It ’ s called The Race to Save Our Century .
The Evils of the Past Century We looked at all the worst attacks on human dignity that arose between 1914 and 2014 .
Studying those evils , we looked for the moral norms which could and should have protected the human race from war , oppression , and poverty .
And looking back at those 100 bloody years , when more than 170 million innocent civilians were murdered by their governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found answers .
We discovered five basic guidelines , which we called “ Whole Life Principles.
” And wouldn ’ t you know it , when we were done , we realized something humbling .
Nothing we said was original .
Every one of those principles emerged from the Natural Law written on the human heart , and the Christian view of the person .
How Do the Candidates Really Score ?
In light of our historical study , and our knowledge of American politics today , we ’ re as well-equipped as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weigh how Joe Biden and Donald Trump score on each of those 47 issues .
Not that all of them are remotely of equal weight of course .
But we ’ ll play the game by the bishops ’ rules , and evaluate the records and stances of both candidates on each .
We ’ re breaking up those 47 issues and the candidates ’ stances on each into five columns , which will run over the course of the next week or so .
We hope you find it useful .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look for the others in coming days .
Jason Jones is a senior contributor to The Stream .
He is a film producer , author , activist and human rights worker .
You can follow him at @ JasonJonesShow .
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 .
Together , Jones and Zmirak wrote The Race to Save Our Century .

Let’s do a thought experiment.
Imagine that one political party today wanted to reintroduce black slavery in America. Don’t laugh. Thanks to the Obama/Biden administration’s meddling in Libya, the evil practice has reemerged in that country. Let’s say that one presidential candidate looked at the slave markets in Libya. And he asked himself, “Why not here?”
The Price of Anti-Racism: Too High?
Perhaps his party’s leaders took seriously the claim of the 1619 Project. You know, that the U.S. was settled and founded explicitly as a haven for black slavery. Or the assertions of Woke church leaders and academics. They say that all of Western civilization, modern science, capitalism, and American culture — right down to the work ethic, punctuality, and workplace professionalism, according to the Smithsonian Institution — was predicated on racism.
How about the claim of Antiracism activists like Ibram X. Kendi? You know, that the only alternative to pro-white discrimination is anti-white discrimination. Or the assertions by Black Lives Matter that the “nuclear family,” free market economy, and criminal justice system must all be dismantled, if we want to conquer white racism aimed at blacks.
Make White Racism Great Again?
Putting all of that together, one party decided, “Nope, sorry. Not worth it. In fact, we never realized how crucial, productive, and fundamentally American white racism is. We’d better get on the job and make white racism great again! We can do that by repealing the 13th Amendment. Or better yet, stacking the Supreme Court with five people willing to pretend it doesn’t mean what it says.”
Imagine that the leaders of your church issued a voter’s guide that featured 46 other issues in addition to bringing back slavery, to guide voters of faith in making their choice.
Still with us? So one of the parties is pro-slavery, while the other remains opposed. And we’re weeks away from a presidential election pitting the pro- and the anti-slavery candidates.
Now imagine that the leaders of your church, facing this choice, issued a voter’s guide that featured 46 other issues in addition to bringing back slavery, to guide voters of faith in making their choice.
Now you know what it’s like to be a Catholic in America.
Killing 1,000,000 Babies for Sexual Convenience and … Immigration Quibbles
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a guide exactly like that. Except instead of black slavery, it tucks away as one of 47 issues the killing of almost a million unborn babies per year for sexual convenience. Abortion sits alongside issues like the climate, labor unions, immigration policy, and education, like a rat’s head popping up in your slice of tart. Some bishops and their staffers clearly think something like, “It’s not all rat. Just eat around it.”
A Voter’s Guide for Guilt-Ridden Catholic Democrats
It gets worse. There’s now an official-looking website called Catholic Voter Guide. It cites the bishops’ 47-issue wishlist, and scores Donald Trump and Joe Biden in each category. At first sight, and second, it seems to be an official publication of the bishops. You need to click around a bit to realize … no. It’s the product of a half-dozen people at third-tier institutions who fancy themselves experts on “Catholic social teaching.” As if that were some clearly defined, official ideology akin to Marxism or Sharia, instead of broad, general guidelines that emerged over the centuries.
But what if you’re a liberal Democrat, or a socialist, or someone tempted by the new post-Christian religion of Wokeness, but you still fancy yourself a Catholic? Especially if you want to claim to be “pro-life.”
A Handy Series of Pretexts
This site can be quite tempting. It offers a handy series of pretexts for voting for the pro-slavery candidate, based on all those other issues. Which are, of course, of completely equal weight to slavery. And on which, wouldn’t you know — what a surprise! — the pro-slavery candidate just happens to score equal or better than the pro-freedom candidate. Almost as if the writers of the guide were skewing the comparison. You know, to make excuses for voters to back the pro-slavery guy. (Sorry for the typos in preceding sentences — we’re writing on a short deadline. For “slavery” please plug in “abortion.” Thank you!)
We’re not bishops. We don’t work for any third-tier Catholic institutions. But we did write a detailed, principled book on what it means to be consistently pro-life. It’s called The Race to Save Our Century.
The Evils of the Past Century
We looked at all the worst attacks on human dignity that arose between 1914 and 2014. Studying those evils, we looked for the moral norms which could and should have protected the human race from war, oppression, and poverty. And looking back at those 100 bloody years, when more than 170 million innocent civilians were murdered by their governments, not counting war casualties, we found answers.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
We discovered five basic guidelines, which we called “Whole Life Principles.” And wouldn’t you know it, when we were done, we realized something humbling. Nothing we said was original. Every one of those principles emerged from the Natural Law written on the human heart, and the Christian view of the person.
How Do the Candidates Really Score?
In light of our historical study, and our knowledge of American politics today, we’re as well-equipped as the creators of Catholic Voter Guide to weigh how Joe Biden and Donald Trump score on each of those 47 issues. Not that all of them are remotely of equal weight of course. But we’ll play the game by the bishops’ rules, and evaluate the records and stances of both candidates on each.
We’re breaking up those 47 issues and the candidates’ stances on each into five columns, which will run over the course of the next week or so. We hope you find it useful.
This column is Part One of six. See Part Two here, and Part Three here.
Jason Jones is a senior contributor to The Stream. He is a film producer, author, activist and human rights worker. You can follow him at @JasonJonesShow.
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.
Together, Jones and Zmirak wrote The Race to Save Our Century.


thestream--2020-09-29--Why The Left Is Attacking Amy Coney Barrett

After all , Amy Coney Barrett ’ s scholarly brilliance is recognized by legal minds on both the left and the right .
Plus , she ’ s the mom of seven children , including two that were adopted from Haiti .
Her youngest child , who has Down Syndrome , is the favorite of everyone in the family , she revealed in a truth said in jest when she accepted her nomination .
As Lopez asks , “ What ’ s not to love ?
” It ’ s a good question , even for those on the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , after all , literal proof that women really “ can have it all , ” a line that , apparently , more people say than actually believe .
As NPR ’ s Nina Totenberg admitted in a recent profile , “ Barrett ’ s busy schedule and her many roles leave people … scratching their heads and asking , ‘ How does she do it ?
’ ” Critiques of Barrett have , so far , run the gamut .
Some are understandable , such as the complaints about how this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the questions rooted in fundamental disagreements about judicial philosophy .
Other critiques have been uncharitable , even evil .
For example , a tweet issued over the weekend suggested that adopting children from Haiti could mean that the Barrett family are white-supremacist colonizers .
The stupidest critique award goes to the person who suggested that a religious group Barrett was connected to was the inspiration for Margaret Atwood ’ s The Handmaid ’ s Tale .
Turns out , it wasn ’ t .
Though , to be clear , this falls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointless even if true.
” And , some critiques reflect a straightforward anti-religious bigotry , as if Catholics who believe what Catholics have always believed are somehow disqualified from public service .
The irony of these critiques is that they are often coming from the same voices who ’ ve spent the last four years telling Christians they weren ’ t Christian enough .
It ’ s hard to keep up .
At root , there ’ s more to this hatred than the legitimate disagreements and debate inherent to the nomination process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it than being potentially the third appointee of a President despised by so many .
The savage incivility already being directed at Barrett can be traced back to Roe v. Wade .
As Kim Colby , legal scholar for Christian Legal Society suggested last week on the BreakPoint podcast , the decision to legalize abortion has poisoned our political system and escalated court nominations to literal life and death issues .
Like the horrible Dred Scott decision on slavery , Roe deals with the very heart of what it means to be human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dred Scott decision , the Court got Roe wrong .
More than 160 years later , America is still paying the price for the Court getting Dred Scott wrong .
In the case of Roe , the national cost in terms of lives lost , families destroyed and a deeply poisoned , dysfunctional system mired in a culture war is nearly incalculable .
Roe is why Ruth Bader Ginsburg , the fierce protector of legalized abortion in all forms ( including later-term , sex-selective and disability-targeted abortions ) was a hero to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett is the left ’ s latest villain .
More specifically , Barrett represents a new kind of feminism ; one that doesn ’ t come at the expense of children ; that doesn ’ t require rejecting the inherent goodness of a women ’ s procreative nature .
Barrett ’ s career has been built on her judicial genius , while fully embracing who she is as a woman , a wife and a mom .
By joining five other pro-life votes on the Supreme Court , four of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett may indeed spell the end of Roe v. Wade .
However , it is likely that even if her confirmation means the end of Roe , it would not be the end of legalized abortion in America .
Rather , it would be the end of federally imposed abortion on all states .
In states such as California , New York , Colorado , Virginia and the many others that either have or are trying to enshrine abortion as an unalienable right , the deadly practice would almost certainly continue .
Pro-lifers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important work : persuading hearts and minds , loving scared young women and their partners , adopting precious children , etc .
At the same time , as Kim Colby suggested on the BreakPoint Podcast , overturning Roe would be huge .
It could put an end to the kind of brutal , divisive and cruel confirmation hearings we have all become used to .
The furor over the President nominating a justice 40-some days before an election has nothing to do with constitutionality , nothing to do with precedent or principle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And our politics have been deeply poisoned by the evil of abortion .
What Amy Coney Barrett is about to endure at the hands of Senate Democrats is living proof of that .
John Stonestreet serves as President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview .
He ’ s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture , theology , worldview , education and apologetics .

In a Sane World, suggests Kathryn Jean Lopez, America Would Have Just Fallen in Love with the Barrett Family.
After all, Amy Coney Barrett’s scholarly brilliance is recognized by legal minds on both the left and the right. Plus, she’s the mom of seven children, including two that were adopted from Haiti. Her youngest child, who has Down Syndrome, is the favorite of everyone in the family, she revealed in a truth said in jest when she accepted her nomination.
What’s Not to Love?
As Lopez asks, “What’s not to love?”
It’s a good question, even for those on the other side of the political aisle. Barrett is, after all, literal proof that women really “can have it all,” a line that, apparently, more people say than actually believe. As NPR’s Nina Totenberg admitted in a recent profile, “Barrett’s busy schedule and her many roles leave people … scratching their heads and asking, ‘How does she do it?’”
Savage Incivility
Critiques of Barrett have, so far, run the gamut. Some are understandable, such as the complaints about how this process is proceeding in an election year or the questions rooted in fundamental disagreements about judicial philosophy.
Other critiques have been uncharitable, even evil. For example, a tweet issued over the weekend suggested that adopting children from Haiti could mean that the Barrett family are white-supremacist colonizers.
The stupidest critique award goes to the person who suggested that a religious group Barrett was connected to was the inspiration for Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Turns out, it wasn’t. Though, to be clear, this falls under the category of “irrelevant and pointless even if true.”
And, some critiques reflect a straightforward anti-religious bigotry, as if Catholics who believe what Catholics have always believed are somehow disqualified from public service. The irony of these critiques is that they are often coming from the same voices who’ve spent the last four years telling Christians they weren’t Christian enough. It’s hard to keep up.
Trace the Hatred Back to Roe v. Wade
At root, there’s more to this hatred than the legitimate disagreements and debate inherent to the nomination process. There’s even more to it than being potentially the third appointee of a President despised by so many. The savage incivility already being directed at Barrett can be traced back to Roe v. Wade. As Kim Colby, legal scholar for Christian Legal Society suggested last week on the BreakPoint podcast, the decision to legalize abortion has poisoned our political system and escalated court nominations to literal life and death issues.
Like the horrible Dred Scott decision on slavery, Roe deals with the very heart of what it means to be human. And, just as in the Dred Scott decision, the Court got Roe wrong. More than 160 years later, America is still paying the price for the Court getting Dred Scott wrong. In the case of Roe, the national cost in terms of lives lost, families destroyed and a deeply poisoned, dysfunctional system mired in a culture war is nearly incalculable.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Roe is why Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the fierce protector of legalized abortion in all forms (including later-term, sex-selective and disability-targeted abortions) was a hero to the left; and, Roe is why Amy Coney Barrett is the left’s latest villain.
More specifically, Barrett represents a new kind of feminism; one that doesn’t come at the expense of children; that doesn’t require rejecting the inherent goodness of a women’s procreative nature. Barrett’s career has been built on her judicial genius, while fully embracing who she is as a woman, a wife and a mom.
Politics — Not Precedent or Principle
By joining five other pro-life votes on the Supreme Court, four of which seem reliable, a Justice Amy Coney Barrett may indeed spell the end of Roe v. Wade. However, it is likely that even if her confirmation means the end of Roe, it would not be the end of legalized abortion in America.
Rather, it would be the end of federally imposed abortion on all states. In states such as California, New York, Colorado, Virginia and the many others that either have or are trying to enshrine abortion as an unalienable right, the deadly practice would almost certainly continue. Pro-lifers, then, would continue their very important work: persuading hearts and minds, loving scared young women and their partners, adopting precious children, etc.
At the same time, as Kim Colby suggested on the BreakPoint Podcast, overturning Roe would be huge. It could put an end to the kind of brutal, divisive and cruel confirmation hearings we have all become used to.
The furor over the President nominating a justice 40-some days before an election has nothing to do with constitutionality, nothing to do with precedent or principle. It has everything to do with politics. And our politics have been deeply poisoned by the evil of abortion.
What Amy Coney Barrett is about to endure at the hands of Senate Democrats is living proof of that.
John Stonestreet serves as President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics.
Originally published at Breakpoint.org. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-09-29--Last-Minute Debate Hiccup: Joe Wants Breaks, Trump Wants to Check for Earpieces

With only hours to go before the first presidential debate , you ’ d think things would be all set but for the shouting .
But no .
Both camps are pushing for last minute changes .
According to Fox News , Joe Biden ’ s campaign has been pressing really hard in recent weeks for there to be breaks every thirty minutes during the debate .
Trump ’ s campaign has refused .
As a source told Fox News , “ our guy doesn ’ t need breaks .
He gives 90-minute speeches all the time.
” As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures to be a Trump strategy .
Don ’ t let Biden rest .
Make him go a full energetic 90 minutes .
Turn the presidential debate into a stress test .
Will Biden ’ s team get their way ?
Stay tuned , as they say .
But certainly the White House is keen on making an issue of it .
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnary tweeted , “ There are no breaks when you ’ re leader of the free world , Joe.
” The Trump campaign wants to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and figuratively .
They are requesting a third party inspect the ears of both candidates for electronic devices or transmitters .
Trump has already agreed .
The Biden camp has not .
In fact , according to Tim Murtaugh , Director of Communications for Trump 2020 , Biden ’ s people did agree to the inspection a few days ago , but suddenly this morning backed out .
When asked about the charge , Biden senior advisor Symone Sanders said , “ This is so ridiculous .
This is absolutely ridiculous.
” Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or does he just want negotiating leverage ?
Either way , it ’ s a bad look .
Clearly , Trump wants to convey the message Biden can not answer questions without some outside guidance .
Thing is , if Joe is getting assistance during the debate it should be obvious .
Just as when he requests his teleprompter to be moved up as he answers simple questions from supporters .
So at the end of the day the request seems more like a troll than a serious demand .
But if Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inspection at the last minute , that is serious .
One has to wonder : Are they creating a situation where they suddenly decide to pull their guy because they couldn ’ t reach agreement on debate rules ?
Or is this all gamesmanship on both sides ?
As of now , the debate remains scheduled for 9 p.m. , Eastern .

With only hours to go before the first presidential debate, you’d think things would be all set but for the shouting. But no. Both camps are pushing for last minute changes.
Joe Wants Breaks
According to Fox News, Joe Biden’s campaign has been pressing really hard in recent weeks for there to be breaks every thirty minutes during the debate. Trump’s campaign has refused. As a source told Fox News, “our guy doesn’t need breaks. He gives 90-minute speeches all the time.”
As I wrote yesterday, this fits with what figures to be a Trump strategy. Don’t let Biden rest. Make him go a full energetic 90 minutes. Turn the presidential debate into a stress test.
Will Biden’s team get their way? Stay tuned, as they say.
But certainly the White House is keen on making an issue of it. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnary tweeted, “There are no breaks when you’re leader of the free world, Joe.”
Biden is asking for a break every 30 minutes during tonight’s debate! There are no breaks when you’re leader of the free world, Joe! https://t.co/2lMiKAHD7Q — Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) September 29, 2020
Trump Wants Ears Inspected
The Trump campaign wants to get inside Biden’s head. Literally and figuratively. They are requesting a third party inspect the ears of both candidates for electronic devices or transmitters. Trump has already agreed. The Biden camp has not.
In fact, according to Tim Murtaugh, Director of Communications for Trump 2020, Biden’s people did agree to the inspection a few days ago, but suddenly this morning backed out.
Joe Biden’s handlers several days ago agreed to a pre-debate inspection for electronic earpieces but today abruptly reversed themselves & declined. Biden asked for multiple breaks during the debate, which President Trump doesn’t need, so we have rejected that request.
When asked about the charge, Biden senior advisor Symone Sanders said, “This is so ridiculous. This is absolutely ridiculous.”
Is Biden really backing down from an inspection or does he just want negotiating leverage? Either way, it’s a bad look.
Clearly, Trump wants to convey the message Biden cannot answer questions without some outside guidance. Thing is, if Joe is getting assistance during the debate it should be obvious. Just as when he requests his teleprompter to be moved up as he answers simple questions from supporters. So at the end of the day the request seems more like a troll than a serious demand.
But if Biden’s people changed their position on an inspection at the last minute, that is serious.
One has to wonder: Are they creating a situation where they suddenly decide to pull their guy because they couldn’t reach agreement on debate rules? Or is this all gamesmanship on both sides?
As of now, the debate remains scheduled for 9 p.m., Eastern.


thestream--2020-09-29--Joe Biden Staffer Suggests Orthodox Catholics, Jews and Muslims Shouldn’t Be on Supreme Court

One of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s staffers suggested Monday that Orthodox Catholics , Jews , and Muslims should be disqualified from serving on the Supreme Court due to their “ intolerant ” views .
Biden campaign Deputy Data Director Nikitha Rai criticized Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett ’ s religious views in a Twitter conversation Monday night with Brookings Institute Senior Fellow Shadi Hamid .
“ Wait , why is this news ?
Isn ’ t this the standard position for any orthodox Catholic ?
” Hamid asked about a tweet saying that Barrett was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same-sex marriage and said homosexual acts are “ at odds with Scripture.
” Hamid noted that Orthodox Muslims and Jews also share this belief , to which Rai replied , “ True .
I ’ d heavily prefer views like that not be elevated to SCOTUS , but unfortunately our current culture is relatively intolerant .
It will be awhile before those types of beliefs are so taboo that they ’ re disqualifiers.
” Rai has since locked her Twitter account .
She did not respond to a request for comment from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DCNF from sending her further messages .
Biden frequently references his own Catholic faith and media often calls Biden a “ devout Catholic.
” Critics note that Biden supports policies that are explicitly opposed to Catholic teaching , such as abortion and same-sex marriage .
The Biden campaign similarly did not respond to requests for comment on Rai ’ s remarks .
Her comments come amid criticism of Barrett ’ s faith .
Barrett ’ s 2017 confirmation hearings gained national attention when some Democrats suggested that her Catholicism made her unfit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently , critics have called Barrett ’ s Catholic faith “ extreme ” and cult-like .
Media outlets have also attempted to link a Catholic group associated with Barrett to the fictional dystopian novel The Handmaid ’ s Tale .
“ Why is it that so many of us on this side have this very uncomfortable feeling that dogma and law are two different things , and I think whatever a religion is , it has its own dogma .
The law is totally different , ” Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judiciary Committee in September 2017 .
“ The conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you , ” Feinstein added .
“ And that ’ s of concern.
” 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 .

One of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s staffers suggested Monday that Orthodox Catholics, Jews, and Muslims should be disqualified from serving on the Supreme Court due to their “intolerant” views.
Biden campaign Deputy Data Director Nikitha Rai criticized Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s religious views in a Twitter conversation Monday night with Brookings Institute Senior Fellow Shadi Hamid.
“Wait, why is this news? Isn’t this the standard position for any orthodox Catholic?” Hamid asked about a tweet saying that Barrett was a trustee at a Catholic school that opposed same-sex marriage and said homosexual acts are “at odds with Scripture.”
“Unfortunately yes,” Rai responded.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Hamid noted that Orthodox Muslims and Jews also share this belief, to which Rai replied, “True. I’d heavily prefer views like that not be elevated to SCOTUS, but unfortunately our current culture is relatively intolerant. It will be awhile before those types of beliefs are so taboo that they’re disqualifiers.”
Here’s a @JoeBiden staffer saying that orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Judaism should be made “taboo” and driven from the public sphere. Beneath all the talk of “interfaith” and “pluralism,” this is what they really believe. pic.twitter.com/PrN8S1qaLG — Jeremy McLellan (@JeremyMcLellan) September 29, 2020
Rai has since locked her Twitter account. She did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation and blocked the DCNF from sending her further messages.
Biden frequently references his own Catholic faith and media often calls Biden a “devout Catholic.” Critics note that Biden supports policies that are explicitly opposed to Catholic teaching, such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
The Biden campaign similarly did not respond to requests for comment on Rai’s remarks.
Her comments come amid criticism of Barrett’s faith. Barrett’s 2017 confirmation hearings gained national attention when some Democrats suggested that her Catholicism made her unfit to serve as a judge, and more recently, critics have called Barrett’s Catholic faith “extreme” and cult-like.
Media outlets have also attempted to link a Catholic group associated with Barrett to the fictional dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale.
“Why is it that so many of us on this side have this very uncomfortable feeling that dogma and law are two different things, and I think whatever a religion is, it has its own dogma. The law is totally different,” Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein told Barrett when she came before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2017.
“The conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you,” Feinstein added. “And that’s of concern.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-09-29--Awakening is Coming: Kent Christmas Delivers Powerful Closing Message at ‘The Return’ in DC

An awakening is coming !
Please watch this powerful message delivered by Kent Christmas in the closing session of “ @ @ @ @ @ this past weekend .
Kent is the founding pastor of Regeneration Nashville in Nashville , @ @ @ @ @ in full time ministry for nearly 50 years , traveling extensively across the United States @ @ @ @ @ is to strengthen the local church body and to share biblical insight .
He is @ @ @ @ @ carries an anointing to preach the word with power .
Kent and his wife Candy @ @ @ @ @ years .
Candy has appeared in over 60 Gaither Homecoming videos and in 2004 founded @ @ @ @ @ an organization that ministers to the homeless and hungry of Nashville .

An awakening is coming! Please watch this powerful message delivered by Kent Christmas in the closing session of “The Return” in D.C. this past weekend. Kent is the founding pastor of Regeneration Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee. He has been in full time ministry for nearly 50 years, traveling extensively across the United States and abroad. His passion is to strengthen the local church body and to share biblical insight. He is a man of prayer and carries an anointing to preach the word with power.
Kent and his wife Candy have been married for 33 years. Candy has appeared in over 60 Gaither Homecoming videos and in 2004 founded The Bridge, Inc., an organization that ministers to the homeless and hungry of Nashville.


thestream--2020-09-29--A Reminder to American Jews: Civilization is Fragile

Yesterday was Yom Kippur , the holiest day in the Jewish calendar .
It is meant to be a time of intense self-examination .
In light of that , I offer this column .
The question I receive more than any other from non-Jews is : Why are so many Jews on the left ?
Before addressing it , I should note that the same question could be asked of Christians and other non-Jews .
Why have so many mainstream Protestants and Catholics ( up to and including the pope ) embraced the left ?
Why have nearly all blacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , the most successful ethnic group in America , embraced the left ?
And outside of the United States , why have most Germans , French , Canadians , Australians and others in the West embraced the left ?
This question could be asked about almost every group in the world .
Nevertheless , it is valid to ask it about Jews because , if any group should be wary of dismantling a society , especially a decent one , it is the Jews .
The moment civilization begins to disintegrate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never the only , but always the first .
That ’ s why Jews have so often been likened to the proverbial canary in the mine .
Miners take canaries down with them because when there are noxious fumes , canaries die , and when the miners see the dead canaries , they know there are toxic fumes they must fight , or they , too , will die .
That ’ s why decent non-Jews who don ’ t fight anti-Semitism are fools .
They don ’ t understand that anti-Semitism represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of non-Jews were killed because decent non-Jews ignored Hitler early on , dismissing him and Nazism as a Jewish problem .
It is often asked how the most culturally advanced country in Europe , perhaps in the world , could produce Nazism and the Holocaust .
Or , as it is often put , “ How did the country that gave us Bach , Beethoven , Heine and Schiller give us Auschwitz ?
” One answer is that advanced culture and advanced morality are not the same .
The Nazis loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important , answer is that civilization is fragile .
It is fragile because civilization consists of human beings , and human nature is profoundly flawed .
Exceptional evil is as common as exceptional good .
It takes a great deal of effort and a great deal of time to make a decent society .
But it takes little effort and little time to destroy a society .
That most American Jews do not appreciate how extraordinarily decent America is — compared with other countries , not compared with some childish utopian vision — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and wisdom and between intelligence and wisdom .
The left is tearing down America because the left in America is what the left has been everywhere : a purely destructive force .
Conservatives and liberals build everything , and leftists destroy everything : music , art , universities , high schools , elementary schools , economies , late-night comedy ( for that matter , all comedy ) , journalism , sports and , now , the sciences .
In addition , everywhere the left gains power it suppresses personal freedom , beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of speech .
Every violent demonstration ( also known as “ riots ” ) over the past six months has been a left-wing riot .
Why , then , does this left-wing destruction not frighten America ’ s Jews ?
Do they not know the more power the left has , the less freedom they and all other Americans will have ?
Do they not know how much Black Lives Matter , antifa and the rest of the left loathe Israel ?
Or do they not care ?
( The answer is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not care — especially young Jews , who have been raised by left-wing teachers and left-wing media . )
How do they not recoil when statues of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are violently removed ?
Do American Jews not know that the unique esteem in which they ( and Israel since 1948 ) have been held in American society has been entirely due to the Judeo-Christian roots of America ’ s values and its Judeo-Christian identity ?
Do they not know that in a post-Christian America , they will be just another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gains influence , nonleft Jews ( specifically religious and pro-Israel Jews ) will be singled out for opprobrium ?
( Just look at how Jewish students who publicly identify as Jews , let alone as pro-Israel Jews , are treated on many American campuses . )
We conservatives know the answer to the question , “ How did the country that gave the world Beethoven give the world Nazism ?
” That was true in Germany , and it is true in America .
Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published by Regnery in May 2019 , is The Rational Bible , a commentary on the book of Genesis .
His film , “ No Safe Spaces , ” will be released to home entertainment nationwide on September 15 , 2020 .
He is the founder of Prager University and may be contacted at dennisprager.com .

Yesterday was Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is meant to be a time of intense self-examination. In light of that, I offer this column.
The question I receive more than any other from non-Jews is: Why are so many Jews on the left?
Before addressing it, I should note that the same question could be asked of Christians and other non-Jews. Why have so many mainstream Protestants and Catholics (up to and including the pope) embraced the left? Why have nearly all blacks, the majority of Hispanics and Asian Americans, the most successful ethnic group in America, embraced the left? And outside of the United States, why have most Germans, French, Canadians, Australians and others in the West embraced the left?
This question could be asked about almost every group in the world.
The First Victims
Nevertheless, it is valid to ask it about Jews because, if any group should be wary of dismantling a society, especially a decent one, it is the Jews. The moment civilization begins to disintegrate, the Jews are the first victims — never the only, but always the first. That’s why Jews have so often been likened to the proverbial canary in the mine. Miners take canaries down with them because when there are noxious fumes, canaries die, and when the miners see the dead canaries, they know there are toxic fumes they must fight, or they, too, will die.
That’s why decent non-Jews who don’t fight anti-Semitism are fools. They don’t understand that anti-Semitism represents a mortal threat to them. Tens of millions of non-Jews were killed because decent non-Jews ignored Hitler early on, dismissing him and Nazism as a Jewish problem.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
It is often asked how the most culturally advanced country in Europe, perhaps in the world, could produce Nazism and the Holocaust. Or, as it is often put, “How did the country that gave us Bach, Beethoven, Heine and Schiller give us Auschwitz?”
One answer is that advanced culture and advanced morality are not the same. The Nazis loved classical music.
The other, more important, answer is that civilization is fragile.
Why Civilization is Fragile
It is fragile because civilization consists of human beings, and human nature is profoundly flawed. Exceptional evil is as common as exceptional good. It takes a great deal of effort and a great deal of time to make a decent society. But it takes little effort and little time to destroy a society.
That most American Jews do not appreciate how extraordinarily decent America is — compared with other countries, not compared with some childish utopian vision — only proves the lack of relationship between education and wisdom and between intelligence and wisdom.
The left is tearing down America because the left in America is what the left has been everywhere: a purely destructive force. Conservatives and liberals build everything, and leftists destroy everything: music, art, universities, high schools, elementary schools, economies, late-night comedy (for that matter, all comedy), journalism, sports and, now, the sciences. In addition, everywhere the left gains power it suppresses personal freedom, beginning with the most important freedom, freedom of speech.
Every violent demonstration (also known as “riots”) over the past six months has been a left-wing riot.
Do American Jews Not Care?
Why, then, does this left-wing destruction not frighten America’s Jews? Do they not know the more power the left has, the less freedom they and all other Americans will have? Do they not know how much Black Lives Matter, antifa and the rest of the left loathe Israel? Or do they not care? (The answer is that, increasingly, many American Jews do not care — especially young Jews, who have been raised by left-wing teachers and left-wing media.) How do they not recoil when statues of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are violently removed?
Do American Jews not know that the unique esteem in which they (and Israel since 1948) have been held in American society has been entirely due to the Judeo-Christian roots of America’s values and its Judeo-Christian identity? Do they not know that in a post-Christian America, they will be just another minority and that, as the left gains influence, nonleft Jews (specifically religious and pro-Israel Jews) will be singled out for opprobrium? (Just look at how Jewish students who publicly identify as Jews, let alone as pro-Israel Jews, are treated on many American campuses.)
We conservatives know the answer to the question, “How did the country that gave the world Beethoven give the world Nazism?”
The answer: Civilization is fragile.
That was true in Germany, and it is true in America.
Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist. His latest book, published by Regnery in May 2019, is The Rational Bible, a commentary on the book of Genesis. His film, “No Safe Spaces,” will be released to home entertainment nationwide on September 15, 2020. He is the founder of Prager University and may be contacted at dennisprager.com.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM


thestream--2020-09-29--Tens of Thousands Gather for Prayer March Because ‘Things Change When You Pray’

A crowd gathered on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday to pray for the country at a time of deep national divisions .
“ I think that things change when you pray , ” said Sofia Swiger , 16 , standing with her father on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial .
“ It makes a big difference to come together as Christians and agree together to pray for our country.
” Led by evangelist Franklin Graham , the son of the late Billy Graham and the president and CEO Samaritan ’ s Purse , the Prayer March 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Vice President Mike Pence and his wife , Karen Pence .
“ Organizers say up to 50,000 people attended , ” reported NBC4 Washington .
“ Today , at this Washington prayer march , you continue a great American tradition , ” Pence said , his voice reaching the mass gathering , which stretched from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the Reflecting Pool , through large speakers .
“ Since the founding of our nation , the American people and our leaders have gone to prayer in challenging times.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remember to pray for all those serving within the administration , in Congress , and on the Supreme Court , noting that the “ sweetest words ” he and the president hear from fellow Americans are “ I ’ m praying for you.
” The march stepped off from the Lincoln Memorial and ended at the U.S. Capitol .
Participants were asked to stop and pray at seven different locations down the National Mall with a specific prayer focus assigned to each stop .
Pausing at the World War II Memorial to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement , and for the peace and security of the nation , Tony Perkins , president of the Family Research Council , prayed , “ May the transcendent truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ be released upon this nation as we stand with courage and selflessness and bravery.
” A prayer and repentance event called “ The Return ” took place on the National Mall on Friday night and all day Saturday in tandem with the prayer march .
Both events drew participants from around the country who said they felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this moment in history .
Carrie Spears , 58 , traveled all the way from Portland , Oregon , to pray for the country because “ without repentance , and without prayer , there won ’ t be any change , ” she told The Daily Signal .
“ People just need to acknowledge God , Him , as the supreme authority over life , ” Spears said .
A message of repentance , particularly focused on the abortion of more than 60 million unborn babies , was central to Saturday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , Jonathan Cahn , author of The Harbinger , said to thousands on the Mall and others watching online .
“ To shed the blood of an unborn baby is to murder a human life , and the most innocent of human lives , ” he added .
“ Without repentance , there can be no revival , ” Cahn repeated throughout his message Saturday morning .
Many churches and schools brought busloads of people to the event , including Liberty University , a private Christian university in Lynchburg , Virginia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Liberty , told The Daily Signal that he was one of about 2,200 of the university ’ s students to drive more than three hours to Washington for Saturday ’ s march .
“ There is so much polarization in the country at the moment between racial injustice and , like , everything that is going on , ” Hawthorn said .
“ If everybody just took time to breathe and pray for everybody and be kind to each other , I think it would be a lot better than where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the U.S. Capitol by encouraging Americans to continue to pray for the nation because “ we are at a crucial point in this country , ” adding , “ There are people who are wanting to manipulate the direction of this country , and we just need to pray that God will intervene.
” Virginia Allen is a news producer for The Daily Signal .
She is the co-host of The Daily Signal Podcast and Problematic Women .
Send an email to Virginia and follow her on Twitter @ Virginia_Allen5 .

A crowd gathered on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday to pray for the country at a time of deep national divisions.
“I think that things change when you pray,” said Sofia Swiger, 16, standing with her father on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. “It makes a big difference to come together as Christians and agree together to pray for our country.”
Led by evangelist Franklin Graham, the son of the late Billy Graham and the president and CEO Samaritan’s Purse, the Prayer March 2020 was attended by Christian and political leaders, including Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence. “Organizers say up to 50,000 people attended,” reported NBC4 Washington.
“Today, at this Washington prayer march, you continue a great American tradition,” Pence said, his voice reaching the mass gathering, which stretched from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the Reflecting Pool, through large speakers. “Since the founding of our nation, the American people and our leaders have gone to prayer in challenging times.”
The vice president asked those gathered to remember to pray for all those serving within the administration, in Congress, and on the Supreme Court, noting that the “sweetest words” he and the president hear from fellow Americans are “I’m praying for you.”
The march stepped off from the Lincoln Memorial and ended at the U.S. Capitol. Participants were asked to stop and pray at seven different locations down the National Mall with a specific prayer focus assigned to each stop.
Pausing at the World War II Memorial to pray for members of the military and law enforcement, and for the peace and security of the nation, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, prayed, “May the transcendent truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ be released upon this nation as we stand with courage and selflessness and bravery.”
A prayer and repentance event called “The Return” took place on the National Mall on Friday night and all day Saturday in tandem with the prayer march.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Both events drew participants from around the country who said they felt compelled to intercede on behalf of America at this moment in history.
Carrie Spears, 58, traveled all the way from Portland, Oregon, to pray for the country because “without repentance, and without prayer, there won’t be any change,” she told The Daily Signal.
“People just need to acknowledge God, Him, as the supreme authority over life,” Spears said.
A message of repentance, particularly focused on the abortion of more than 60 million unborn babies, was central to Saturday’s event.
We have sacrificed our children, Jonathan Cahn, author of The Harbinger, said to thousands on the Mall and others watching online.
“To shed the blood of an unborn baby is to murder a human life, and the most innocent of human lives,” he added.
“Without repentance, there can be no revival,” Cahn repeated throughout his message Saturday morning.
Many churches and schools brought busloads of people to the event, including Liberty University, a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Caleb Hawthorn, 18, a freshman at Liberty, told The Daily Signal that he was one of about 2,200 of the university’s students to drive more than three hours to Washington for Saturday’s march.
“There is so much polarization in the country at the moment between racial injustice and, like, everything that is going on,” Hawthorn said. “If everybody just took time to breathe and pray for everybody and be kind to each other, I think it would be a lot better than where we are now.”
Graham closed the march outside the U.S. Capitol by encouraging Americans to continue to pray for the nation because “we are at a crucial point in this country,” adding, “There are people who are wanting to manipulate the direction of this country, and we just need to pray that God will intervene.”
Virginia Allen is a news producer for The Daily Signal. She is the co-host of The Daily Signal Podcast and Problematic Women. Send an email to Virginia and follow her on Twitter @Virginia_Allen5.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-09-29--Grading Trump on His COVID Performance: Did He Really Kill All Those People?

Joe Biden , in his bumbling way , has accused the president of being responsible for all 200,000 ( plus or minus three zeroes ) American deaths from COVID-19 .
Is anyone surprised ?
Of course not .
Most of us once thought the fact that Trump is often obnoxious would keep him out of the White House .
Plenty of people will still vote against him in November for that reason .
But no , he hasn ’ t blown up any countries ( I note with relief ) , while his enemies are burning down cities right and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few crude Twitter comments plus his other faults are not going to keep me from voting for him this time .
The Left has redefined “ obnoxious , ” and not even Donald Trump can compete .
( You know that ’ s true when the big question to ask now is , “ Which cities will they torch next ?
” But what of the “ COVID-killer in the White House ” theory ?
Should it stick ?
This has become the chief argument for the prosecution , so it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a radical experiment here .
Let us simply seek the truth .
To judge an action fairly , one should recognize the extent and limits of the actor ’ s power .
So one must consider both the advantages and disadvantages which American leaders faced during the COVID crisis , compared to other countries .
America held at least three relative advantages in that fight : 1 .
We had a few more weeks to prepare than China , South Korea , Iran or Italy .
2 .
Our population is a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wine and Olive Oil belt of southern Europe .
3 .
We host many of the worlds top universities , with sharp scientists , wealthy drug companies and well-endowed hospitals .
America also faced at least a dozen disadvantages : 1 .
We are “ The United States of America.
” We have a federal system , which means the president can ’ t even put fires out in downtown Portland if the mayor prefers to let them burn .
Still less could the federal government run the entire anti-COVID operation : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors to act wisely .
2 .
Among those governors was Andrew Cuomo , who made several reckless decisions causing COVID to spread like wildfire through nursing homes in New York State , and around the U.S. ( At one point 60 + % of COVID wildfires were traced to New York . )
Mortality outside of the Northeast was not that much worse than in Canada .
Cuomo ’ s public spats with New York City ’ s epically hapless Mayor Bill de Blasio can not have helped .
3 .
Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations in the world , with four times a higher percentage than Italy .
Obesity raises the risk of death from COVID by almost half .
If Americans were as thin as Italians or Japanese , that factor alone would likely have saved many tens of thousands of lives .
4 .
Americans are older than people of most countries outside of Europe .
5 .
We have frequent flights to the cities most-infected .
6 .
America is also more ethnically diverse than Europe .
Some minorities who have proven vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
7 .
Ironically , our generally clean air likely also proved a disadvantage in this fight .
A million or more Chinese die each year from air pollution , according to one study .
That means urban Chinese own lots of masks , and are used to wearing them ( especially in winter , when stagnant air hangs over northern China , and when the outbreak occurred . )
The same is true in Taiwan , Korea , Japan ( to a lesser extent ) and parts of India .
Americans did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this crisis , and ran short .
8 .
We also lack much recent experience in deadly pandemics .
Korea fumbled badly with SARS , a learning experience that helped that country respond more aggressively and quickly to their COVID outbreak .
9 .
Americans are concentrated in metropolitan areas , not on farms or villages as in many poorer countries .
10 .
Government bureaucracy interfered with COVID testing .
Hospitals were chomping at the bit to start testing , but the CDC , having created flawed tests , refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably can not be blamed on Trump , since the bureaucracy seems to have been in place before he arrived , and he has tried to reduce bureaucracy , in general .
11 .
We share a border with Mexico , which fumbled this ball as badly as almost any nation on Earth .
Some of our fatalities seem to have been of people who contracted the disease in Mexico , and then came to the U.S. , sometimes for treatment .
12 .
Finally , as I have argued here before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admirably , but most citizens of Germany are Germans .
In the 19th Century , General Lee complained to a Prussian military observer that while southerners were brave , “ Our people are so little liable to control that it is difficult to get them to follow any course not in accordance with their inclination , … Give me also Prussian discipline and Prussian forms , and you would see quite different results !
” True , American soldiers twice ultimately proved themselves at least the equal of German troops .
But Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ loose ” cultures and “ tight ” cultures .
By and large , in Europe COVID seems to have struck hardest countries where the Romance languages , descended from Latin , are spoken .
Several countries in Latin America have also been struck especially hard : Brazil , Mexico , Ecuador , Peru .
Americans are less-inclined to obey government orders than Germans , Japanese or Chinese , who reacted quickly and effectively to COVID .
Often that quality of independence is a blessing .
Sometimes it may cause problems .
Certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in large numbers proved helpful when this pandemic got into full swing .
( While Chinese numbers are not perfectly accurate , China did manage to shut the disease down . )
Like Brazil , we have a more “ loose ” culture .
( Or set of cultures within a range . )
So responsibility for staying well , or getting sick , rests primarily with the individual in America , once the disease was on the loose .
But unlike Mexico or Ecuador , Americans tend to have a pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get counted .
With all these factors in mind , I ’ d give Donald Trump a C+ on COVID , trending towards a B- .
Trump certainly did not save two million lives , as he brags .
( Making the disease too much about him , and the media as usual playing along . )
But neither did Trump cause 200,000 preventable deaths .
American presidents simply do not have the power to control society so thoroughly .
Trump did stop most travelers between China and the U.S. ( Including me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to loosen red tape , too slowly .
( I was pushing for the import of masks . )
Trump ’ s opposition to bureaucracy has proven a healthy and useful philosophical stance , as did the “ Energizer Bunny ” mode into which he ultimately clicked .
So no , Donald Trump should not be blamed for COVID : our health , fellow Americans , lies mostly in our own hands .
Would any of the Democrats have acted more quickly and effectively ?
Maybe one would have .
But it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo , de Blasio or Pelosi .
How would Joe Biden have done ?
Armchair quarterbacking is easy , and he ’ s doing a lot of it .
It seems as if “ Sleepy Joe ” is spending a lot of time in that easy chair of his .
He can ’ t even seem to wake up to campaign for the job .
David Marshall holds a B.A .
in “ the Russian and Chinese Languages and Marxism , ” an M.A .
in Chinese Religions , and a Ph.D. in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent book is Jesus is No Myth : The Fingerprints of God on the Gospels .

Joe Biden, in his bumbling way, has accused the president of being responsible for all 200,000 (plus or minus three zeroes) American deaths from COVID-19.
Is anyone surprised? Of course not. Most of us once thought the fact that Trump is often obnoxious would keep him out of the White House. Plenty of people will still vote against him in November for that reason. But no, he hasn’t blown up any countries (I note with relief), while his enemies are burning down cities right and left (mostly left). So a few crude Twitter comments plus his other faults are not going to keep me from voting for him this time.
The Left has redefined “obnoxious,” and not even Donald Trump can compete. (You know that’s true when the big question to ask now is, “Which cities will they torch next?”
But what of the “COVID-killer in the White House” theory? Should it stick? This has become the chief argument for the prosecution, so it is worth examining.
Let’s try a radical experiment here. Let us simply seek the truth.
To judge an action fairly, one should recognize the extent and limits of the actor’s power. So one must consider both the advantages and disadvantages which American leaders faced during the COVID crisis, compared to other countries.
America’s COVID Advantages
America held at least three relative advantages in that fight:
1. We had a few more weeks to prepare than China, South Korea, Iran or Italy.
2. Our population is a few years younger, on average, than the Wine and Olive Oil belt of southern Europe.
3. We host many of the worlds top universities, with sharp scientists, wealthy drug companies and well-endowed hospitals.
America’s COVID Disadvantages
America also faced at least a dozen disadvantages:
1. We are “The United States of America.” We have a federal system, which means the president can’t even put fires out in downtown Portland if the mayor prefers to let them burn. Still less could the federal government run the entire anti-COVID operation: the federal government depended on 50 local governors to act wisely.
2. Among those governors was Andrew Cuomo, who made several reckless decisions causing COVID to spread like wildfire through nursing homes in New York State, and around the U.S. (At one point 60 + % of COVID wildfires were traced to New York.) Mortality outside of the Northeast was not that much worse than in Canada. Cuomo’s public spats with New York City’s epically hapless Mayor Bill de Blasio cannot have helped.
3. Americans are the most obese people among major nations in the world, with four times a higher percentage than Italy. Obesity raises the risk of death from COVID by almost half. If Americans were as thin as Italians or Japanese, that factor alone would likely have saved many tens of thousands of lives.
4. Americans are older than people of most countries outside of Europe.
Advantages That Were Disadvantages
5. We have frequent flights to the cities most-infected.
6. America is also more ethnically diverse than Europe. Some minorities who have proven vulnerable to cardiovascular illnesses have also succumbed from COVID-19.
7. Ironically, our generally clean air likely also proved a disadvantage in this fight. A million or more Chinese die each year from air pollution, according to one study. That means urban Chinese own lots of masks, and are used to wearing them (especially in winter, when stagnant air hangs over northern China, and when the outbreak occurred.) The same is true in Taiwan, Korea, Japan (to a lesser extent) and parts of India. Americans did not manufacture many masks at the beginning of this crisis, and ran short.
8. We also lack much recent experience in deadly pandemics. Korea fumbled badly with SARS, a learning experience that helped that country respond more aggressively and quickly to their COVID outbreak.
Geography, Bureaucracy
9. Americans are concentrated in metropolitan areas, not on farms or villages as in many poorer countries.
10. Government bureaucracy interfered with COVID testing. Hospitals were chomping at the bit to start testing, but the CDC, having created flawed tests, refused to allow them to do so. This probably cannot be blamed on Trump, since the bureaucracy seems to have been in place before he arrived, and he has tried to reduce bureaucracy, in general.
11. We share a border with Mexico, which fumbled this ball as badly as almost any nation on Earth. Some of our fatalities seem to have been of people who contracted the disease in Mexico, and then came to the U.S., sometimes for treatment.
Culture Matters
12. Finally, as I have argued here before, culture matters. Germany dealt with COVID-19 admirably, but most citizens of Germany are Germans. In the 19th Century, General Lee complained to a Prussian military observer that while southerners were brave, “Our people are so little liable to control that it is difficult to get them to follow any course not in accordance with their inclination, … Give me also Prussian discipline and Prussian forms, and you would see quite different results!”
True, American soldiers twice ultimately proved themselves at least the equal of German troops. But Lee recognized a difference between what are called “loose” cultures and “tight” cultures. By and large, in Europe COVID seems to have struck hardest countries where the Romance languages, descended from Latin, are spoken. Several countries in Latin America have also been struck especially hard: Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Americans are less-inclined to obey government orders than Germans, Japanese or Chinese, who reacted quickly and effectively to COVID. Often that quality of independence is a blessing. Sometimes it may cause problems. Certainly China’s experience of locking people up in large numbers proved helpful when this pandemic got into full swing. (While Chinese numbers are not perfectly accurate, China did manage to shut the disease down.)
Like Brazil, we have a more “loose” culture. (Or set of cultures within a range.) So responsibility for staying well, or getting sick, rests primarily with the individual in America, once the disease was on the loose. But unlike Mexico or Ecuador, Americans tend to have a pretty good handle on figures, so deaths get counted.
Giving Trump a Grade
With all these factors in mind, I’d give Donald Trump a C+ on COVID, trending towards a B-.
Trump certainly did not save two million lives, as he brags. (Making the disease too much about him, and the media as usual playing along.) But neither did Trump cause 200,000 preventable deaths. American presidents simply do not have the power to control society so thoroughly.
Trump did stop most travelers between China and the U.S. (Including me!) His administration also finally began to loosen red tape, too slowly. (I was pushing for the import of masks.) Trump’s opposition to bureaucracy has proven a healthy and useful philosophical stance, as did the “Energizer Bunny” mode into which he ultimately clicked.
So no, Donald Trump should not be blamed for COVID: our health, fellow Americans, lies mostly in our own hands.
Would any of the Democrats have acted more quickly and effectively? Maybe one would have. But it’s hard to imagine that one being Cuomo, de Blasio or Pelosi.
How would Joe Biden have done? Armchair quarterbacking is easy, and he’s doing a lot of it. It seems as if “Sleepy Joe” is spending a lot of time in that easy chair of his. He can’t even seem to wake up to campaign for the job.
David Marshall holds a B.A. in “the Russian and Chinese Languages and Marxism,” an M.A. in Chinese Religions, and a Ph.D. in Christian Thought and Chinese Tradition. His most recent book is Jesus is No Myth: The Fingerprints of God on the Gospels.


thestream--2020-09-30--Bombshell: Obama Briefed That Hillary Was Planning Russia Hoax. Went Along With It.

The media spits out the word “ bombshell ” the way ballplayers spit out pumpkins seeds .
But rarely does it apply .
Yet on Tuesday comes a legitimate news bombshell .
A revelation that blows up the Trump Russia Hoax , detonating the biggest scandal in American political history right in President Obama ’ s mitts .
Barack Obama was warned by CIA director John Brennan that Hillary Clinton was allegedly cooking up the Trump-Russia conspiracy hoax .
Those warnings came true .
Obama knew it , and still allowed the Trump-Russia hoax to continue .
The revelation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Intelligence John Ratcliffe sent the Senate Judiciary Committee declassified today .
Three Points That Point to the Worst Political Crime in Our Nation ’ s History The information declassified by Ratcliff indicates three things .
• Russian intelligence analysts believed Hillary Clinton had “ approved a campaign plan to stir up a scandal ” against Donald Trump “ by tying him to Putin and the Russians ’ hacking of the Democratic National Committee.
” Our Intelligence community didn ’ t know ( at that time ) the accuracy of that allegation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Obama and other senior national security officials on the intelligence .
( Did that include Vice President Biden ? )
Including the “ alleged approval by Hillary Clinton on July 26 , 2016 of a proposal from one of her foreign policy advisors to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by Russian security services.
” • In September 2016 , CIA agents sent an investigative referral to FBI Director James Comey and Trump-hater Peter Strzok , demanding an investigation into Hillary Clinton ’ s approval of the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public from her use of a private mail server.
” As we know , rather than investigating Clinton for creating the hoax , Comey and Strzok and the rest continued their counter-intelligence investigation into Trump and his campaign based on those ( bogus ) Russian accusations .
And Barack Obama rolled with it , despite the fact that right as he was getting these briefings , Hillary Clinton ’ s campaign and her surrogates were starting to run around accusing Trump of the very things the intelligence report said she would .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barack Obama , Joe Biden , James Comey , John Brennan — in other words , people who ’ d known since July it was a suspected hoax — plotted how to continue the fake Russia investigation into the Trump Presidency .
They plotted how to frame war hero Lt. General Michael Flynn .
They plotted against the duly elected President of the United States .
America , you were set up by your former president .
And it is sickening .
Sean Davis at The Federalist summarized the story this way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disinformation Predictably , Democrats are telling Politico the original report out of Russia about Hillary concocting the Trump Russia story is just Russian “ disinformation.
” Hillary ’ s people call it “ baseless bull****.
” And like good obedient lemmings Politico nods and accepts without stating the obvious and already proven on the record : Hillary Clinton ’ s campaign did in fact “ stir up a scandal.
” They did pay Fusion GPS to concoct the Trump Russia collusion story .
They did , in fact , out of the blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s ( alleged ) hack of the DNC .
Fusion GPS with Christopher Steele did use discredited sources , including a sub-source the FBI thought was a Russian spy .
Passed on as verified crazy rumors that the source for those rumors himself said was sketchy at best and likely Russian disinformation .
It is also a fact that she succeeded in her goal .
Peter Strzok shorted the Hillary email investigation — even after hundreds of thousands of emails were found on Anthony Weiner ’ s computer — in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is also true that John Brennan , who knew of Hillary ’ s plans , was telling then Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid the Steele dossier was verified , when he knew it wasn ’ t .
It is also true that even if the original report out of Russia was unverified , the CIA still asked the FBI to investigate what Hillary was up to .
And the FBI blew it off and continued looking at Trump .
We also have the newly released messages that FBI and CIA agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing and what the FBI and Obama Administration was doing that they bought professional liability insurance .
They knew that when the truth came out , there would be hell to pay and they ’ d likely be forced to pay it .
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe released a statement to counter the Democrat ’ s response .
“ To be clear , this is not Russian disinformation and has not been assessed as such by the intelligence community .
I will be briefing Congress on the sensitive sources and methods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming days.
” Now Joe Biden is vying to be President of the United States .
He must be asked about his role in this political crime for the ages .
He initially said he had no involvement in the Flynn case , which is a lie .
He not only was in on the January 5 , 2017 meeting , he was the last of the host of Obama administration figures to unmask General Flynn .
And notes from Peter Strzok suggest he ’ s the one who suggested going after Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be asked if he was in on the briefing given by Brennan about the Russian intel that Hillary was planning the Russian hoax .
He must be asked when he became aware Hillary Clinton paid Fusion GPS and was responsible for the Steele dossier .
He must be asked if he will personally apologize for what was done to President Trump , his family , his campaign and White House staff .
He must be asked when the Obama Administration will confess to putting America through three years of the Trump-Russia obsession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He must be asked why he was party to a non-peaceful transfer of power .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

The media spits out the word “bombshell” the way ballplayers spit out pumpkins seeds. But rarely does it apply.
Yet on Tuesday comes a legitimate news bombshell. A revelation that blows up the Trump Russia Hoax, detonating the biggest scandal in American political history right in President Obama’s mitts.
Barack Obama was warned by CIA director John Brennan that Hillary Clinton was allegedly cooking up the Trump-Russia conspiracy hoax. Those warnings came true. Obama knew it, and still allowed the Trump-Russia hoax to continue.
The revelation is found in a letter the Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe sent the Senate Judiciary Committee declassified today.
READ LETTER HERE:
Three Points That Point to the Worst Political Crime in Our Nation’s History
The information declassified by Ratcliff indicates three things.
Russian intelligence analysts believed Hillary Clinton had “approved a campaign plan to stir up a scandal” against Donald Trump “by tying him to Putin and the Russians’ hacking of the Democratic National Committee.” Our Intelligence community didn’t know (at that time) the accuracy of that allegation. Then CIA Director John Brennan briefed President Obama and other senior national security officials on the intelligence. (Did that include Vice President Biden?)
Including the “alleged approval by Hillary Clinton on July 26, 2016 of a proposal from one of her foreign policy advisors to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by Russian security services.” In September 2016, CIA agents sent an investigative referral to FBI Director James Comey and Trump-hater Peter Strzok, demanding an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s approval of the plan “as a means of distracting the public from her use of a private mail server.”
As we know, rather than investigating Clinton for creating the hoax, Comey and Strzok and the rest continued their counter-intelligence investigation into Trump and his campaign based on those (bogus) Russian accusations.
And Barack Obama rolled with it, despite the fact that right as he was getting these briefings, Hillary Clinton’s campaign and her surrogates were starting to run around accusing Trump of the very things the intelligence report said she would.
In fact, on January 5, 2017, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, James Comey, John Brennan — in other words, people who’d known since July it was a suspected hoax — plotted how to continue the fake Russia investigation into the Trump Presidency. They plotted how to frame war hero Lt. General Michael Flynn. They plotted against the duly elected President of the United States.
America, you were set up by your former president. And it is sickening.
Greg Price summarized nicely on Twitter:
Just so we're clear: Brennan briefed Obama on Russian intelligence that Hillary was allegedly planning the Russia hoax, it was referred to Comey and Strzok for investigation, and the FBI still proceeded to go after Michael Flynn and fabricate evidence to the FISA courts https://t.co/9Dp6bqLykd — Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 29, 2020
Sean Davis at The Federalist summarized the story this way:
Russian knew what Hillary was doing, the FBI knew that Russia knew what Hillary was doing, and instead of stopping Russia from seeding the Steele dossier w/ disinformation, the FBI used that disinformation in false warrants to spy on the Trump campaign. https://t.co/KJH9yV4jqk — Sean Davis (@seanmdav) September 29, 2020
Democrats Say This is Just Russian Disinformation
Predictably, Democrats are telling Politico the original report out of Russia about Hillary concocting the Trump Russia story is just Russian “disinformation.” Hillary’s people call it “baseless bull****.”
And like good obedient lemmings Politico nods and accepts without stating the obvious and already proven on the record:
Hillary Clinton’s campaign did in fact “stir up a scandal.” They did pay Fusion GPS to concoct the Trump Russia collusion story. They did, in fact, out of the blue, start saying Trump was tied to Russia’s (alleged) hack of the DNC.
Fusion GPS with Christopher Steele did use discredited sources, including a sub-source the FBI thought was a Russian spy. Passed on as verified crazy rumors that the source for those rumors himself said was sketchy at best and likely Russian disinformation.
It is also a fact that she succeeded in her goal. Peter Strzok shorted the Hillary email investigation — even after hundreds of thousands of emails were found on Anthony Weiner’s computer — in order to focus on Trump and Crossfire Hurricane.
It is also true that John Brennan, who knew of Hillary’s plans, was telling then Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid the Steele dossier was verified, when he knew it wasn’t.
It is also true that even if the original report out of Russia was unverified, the CIA still asked the FBI to investigate what Hillary was up to. And the FBI blew it off and continued looking at Trump.
We also have the newly released messages that FBI and CIA agents were so horrified by what they were seeing and what the FBI and Obama Administration was doing that they bought professional liability insurance. They knew that when the truth came out, there would be hell to pay and they’d likely be forced to pay it.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe released a statement to counter the Democrat’s response. “To be clear, this is not Russian disinformation and has not been assessed as such by the intelligence community. I will be briefing Congress on the sensitive sources and methods by which it was obtained in the coming days.”
Obama and Biden
Now Joe Biden is vying to be President of the United States. He must be asked about his role in this political crime for the ages.
He initially said he had no involvement in the Flynn case, which is a lie. He not only was in on the January 5, 2017 meeting, he was the last of the host of Obama administration figures to unmask General Flynn. And notes from Peter Strzok suggest he’s the one who suggested going after Michael Flynn using the Logan Act.
He must be asked if he was in on the briefing given by Brennan about the Russian intel that Hillary was planning the Russian hoax.
He must be asked when he became aware Hillary Clinton paid Fusion GPS and was responsible for the Steele dossier.
He must be asked if he will personally apologize for what was done to President Trump, his family, his campaign and White House staff.
He must be asked when the Obama Administration will confess to putting America through three years of the Trump-Russia obsession in order to sabotage his successor.
He must be asked why he was party to a non-peaceful transfer of power.
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-09-30--Military Photo of the Day: Loading On Their Tank

U.S. Army soldiers load an M2 Bradley fighting vehicle onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster in Kuwait .
Thank @ @ @ @ @ for serving our country overseas .
Stay safe !

U.S. Army soldiers load an M2 Bradley fighting vehicle onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster in Kuwait.
Thank you to these brave troops for serving our country overseas. Stay safe!
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thestream--2020-09-30--After the First Presidential Debate, Do We Really Need Any Others?

Well , that was uneventful .
We learned almost nothing from the first presidential debate .
We did see the fundamental , irreconcilable bitterness of two halves of the country , each of which thinks the other is a pack of deluded zealots enabling murderers .
So there ’ s that .
I won ’ t rehearse the opportunities President Trump missed .
Nobody ’ s perfect .
If I ’ d been up there , I would have seized some of those chances , and missed some others .
I might have made mistakes that he avoided .
Nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfectly predictable .
Namely that Chris Wallace , attuned to his future career , would tilt a bit toward Biden .
That when Trump was nailing Biden to the wall effectively , Wallace would interrupt and talk over him .
We had to expect that .
“ I ’ m Not in Public Office.
” “ I AM the Democratic Party.
” On the other hand , on a few issues Wallace held Biden ’ s feet to the fire , especially on Biden ’ s refusal to intervene and stop the riots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call from Joe Biden to Democrat mayors in Seattle , Portland , or Minneapolis would have seen them sending out SWAT teams to shut down Antifa and Black Lives Matter urban terrorists .
That would have saved hundreds of millions of dollars in damage , and thousands of family businesses .
But Biden didn ’ t do it .
He claimed , pathetically lamely , “ I ’ m not in public office.
” This from the same man who forty minutes before said , “ I AM the Democratic Party.
” Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when he said that his son never got money from Russian oligarchs .
Trump called him out on that , despite Wallace running interference .
And then Biden claimed that Trump referred to white supremacists as “ very fine people.
” Every informed , honest person knows perfectly well that Trump specifically and repeatedly disavowed white nationalists .
He just refused to throw under the bus the ordinary patriots present who wanted to defend historic monuments .
( Check the transcript . )
That ’ s on a tiny scale , compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that violent rioters who ’ ve afflicted America for months are “ mostly peaceful protesters.
” I don ’ t envy Trump , who ’ s roughly in the position of Lech Walesa in 1977 — trying to speak up for the forgotten man and woman , in the face of a massively biased , dishonest , shameless media .
I honestly wonder if Communist-run TV stations in Eastern Europe were quite as nakedly partisan as most U.S. networks and social media platforms are today .
At least in those countries most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puppets for the Party .
In the U.S. , we haven ’ t quite woken up to totalitarian methods .
If Biden wins in November , we ’ ll have the bitter chance to learn fast .
The one thing we did learn last night that was important : When it counts , Biden can be roused , doped , or coached to sound like his old self .
We can ’ t count on him drooling into the microphone and electrocuting himself — or zapping his candidacy .
This is , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom we remember .
And that ’ s who Trump needs to run against .
Biden is not the broken pitiable shell of a man he sometimes appears to be in “ gaffe clips.
” Instead , he ’ s what he always was : A shallow , unprincipled opportunist desperate to put one more participation trophy on his mantlepiece , and willing to sell out anyone or anything to get it .
The same man who plagiarized other men ’ s autobiographies , stealing their painful pasts as children of coal miners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being drunk , when Biden ’ s wife crashed into him and died .
And stole another man ’ s wife not long after that .
He mentored with white segregationists when that was convenient , and said he didn ’ t want his kids to go to school in a “ racial jungle.
” He helped his family members rake in millions from foreign governments and corporations trying to buy influence .
Joe Biden is Silly Putty , which picks up whatever ’ s in the newspaper you put it down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a moderate Democrat .
When Obama threw him a lifeline from utter obscurity after multiple , farcical presidential candidacies , Biden reinvented himself as a progressive .
But not a socialist , like Bernie Sanders .
In the 2020 race , Biden presented himself as the face of the center-left .
Once Black Lives Matter and Antifa started tearing up our streets , he refused to criticize them .
He let his vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris say that the riots were good and healthy , and ought to continue .
Biden preens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but one who performs same-sex marriages and supports infanticide .
Boy , I ’ d hate to see what a bad Catholic is like .
From now on Trump must recalibrate .
The next debates ?
I don ’ t care if we even have them .
Anyone with principles and prudence has already chosen between the candidates .
Now we ’ re fighting over the millions of rudderless and clueless .
Those who don ’ t know their right hands from their lefts .
And I don ’ t think debates will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home at every opportunity the close links Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have to the rabid , bloodthirsty left that ’ s burning American cities .
He must remind voters that Joe Biden wanted to leave our country open to thousands of infected travelers from China , for fear of “ xenophobia , ” even as his son Hunter spent the millions he got from the Chinese Communist party .
Trump needs to smash at every opportunity the thin patina of normalcy and moderation that Biden retains from decades of living without any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all to comfort and self-advancement .
Because that ’ s the great temptation most of us Americans struggle with .
We ’ ve had peace and plenty so long we assume it ’ s the state of nature .
We ’ re prone to dishonest arguments like Biden ’ s , that Trump is fomenting “ division.
” No , Trump is revealing division , in a way that hacks like John McCain and Mitt Romney never would .
That makes people uncomfortable .
It tempts them to stir in their easy chairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as we saw in Seattle , Minneapolis , Portland , Kenosha , and countless other cities , our recliner sits in quicksand .
Our living room is on fire .
And the power-hungry zealots are marching into our neighborhoods .
Do we want to see the police defunded , reduced to collecting firearms from compliant , timid citizens , while BLM rules the streets ?
That ’ s the question Trump needs to pose to American voters , day after day after day .
In that sense , Donald Trump has found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonah in Nineveh .
That ’ s the hopeful scenario of course .
The November election will tell us if instead he is Lot in Sodom , trying vainly to negotiate with the insatiable and the unspeakable .
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 .
He is co-author with Jason Jones of “ God , Guns , & the Government .
”

Well, that was uneventful. We learned almost nothing from the first presidential debate. We did see the fundamental, irreconcilable bitterness of two halves of the country, each of which thinks the other is a pack of deluded zealots enabling murderers. So there’s that.
I won’t rehearse the opportunities President Trump missed. Nobody’s perfect. If I’d been up there, I would have seized some of those chances, and missed some others. I might have made mistakes that he avoided. Nor will I complain about something that was perfectly predictable. Namely that Chris Wallace, attuned to his future career, would tilt a bit toward Biden. That when Trump was nailing Biden to the wall effectively, Wallace would interrupt and talk over him. We had to expect that.
“I’m Not in Public Office.” “I AM the Democratic Party.”
On the other hand, on a few issues Wallace held Biden’s feet to the fire, especially on Biden’s refusal to intervene and stop the riots. We all know that a phone call from Joe Biden to Democrat mayors in Seattle, Portland, or Minneapolis would have seen them sending out SWAT teams to shut down Antifa and Black Lives Matter urban terrorists. That would have saved hundreds of millions of dollars in damage, and thousands of family businesses.
But Biden didn’t do it. He claimed, pathetically lamely, “I’m not in public office.” This from the same man who forty minutes before said, “I AM the Democratic Party.”
We can’t count on Biden drooling into the microphone and electrocuting himself.
Biden lied outrageously several times. For instance, when he said that his son never got money from Russian oligarchs. Trump called him out on that, despite Wallace running interference.
And then Biden claimed that Trump referred to white supremacists as “very fine people.” Every informed, honest person knows perfectly well that Trump specifically and repeatedly disavowed white nationalists. He just refused to throw under the bus the ordinary patriots present who wanted to defend historic monuments. (Check the transcript.)
That’s on a tiny scale, compared to countless Democrats and media figures pretending that violent rioters who’ve afflicted America for months are “mostly peaceful protesters.”
David Against Goliath
I don’t envy Trump, who’s roughly in the position of Lech Walesa in 1977 — trying to speak up for the forgotten man and woman, in the face of a massively biased, dishonest, shameless media.
I honestly wonder if Communist-run TV stations in Eastern Europe were quite as nakedly partisan as most U.S. networks and social media platforms are today. At least in those countries most people knew that their media were merely sock puppets for the Party. In the U.S., we haven’t quite woken up to totalitarian methods. If Biden wins in November, we’ll have the bitter chance to learn fast.
The one thing we did learn last night that was important: When it counts, Biden can be roused, doped, or coached to sound like his old self. We can’t count on him drooling into the microphone and electrocuting himself — or zapping his candidacy. This is, in many respects, the old Joe Biden whom we remember.
Biden’s Still Biden
And that’s who Trump needs to run against. Biden is not the broken pitiable shell of a man he sometimes appears to be in “gaffe clips.” Instead, he’s what he always was: A shallow, unprincipled opportunist desperate to put one more participation trophy on his mantlepiece, and willing to sell out anyone or anything to get it. The same man who plagiarized other men’s autobiographies, stealing their painful pasts as children of coal miners.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
He falsely accused an innocent driver of being drunk, when Biden’s wife crashed into him and died. And stole another man’s wife not long after that. He mentored with white segregationists when that was convenient, and said he didn’t want his kids to go to school in a “racial jungle.” He helped his family members rake in millions from foreign governments and corporations trying to buy influence.
A Chameleon, Hungry for Money and Power
Joe Biden is Silly Putty, which picks up whatever’s in the newspaper you put it down on. In the 90s, he was a moderate Democrat. When Obama threw him a lifeline from utter obscurity after multiple, farcical presidential candidacies, Biden reinvented himself as a progressive. But not a socialist, like Bernie Sanders.
In the 2020 race, Biden presented himself as the face of the center-left. Once Black Lives Matter and Antifa started tearing up our streets, he refused to criticize them. He let his vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris say that the riots were good and healthy, and ought to continue.
Biden preens as a “devout Catholic,” but one who performs same-sex marriages and supports infanticide. Boy, I’d hate to see what a bad Catholic is like.
Fighting for Nineveh
From now on Trump must recalibrate. The next debates? I don’t care if we even have them. Anyone with principles and prudence has already chosen between the candidates. Now we’re fighting over the millions of rudderless and clueless. Those who don’t know their right hands from their lefts. And I don’t think debates will sway them.
President Trump must hammer home at every opportunity the close links Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have to the rabid, bloodthirsty left that’s burning American cities.
He must remind voters that Joe Biden wanted to leave our country open to thousands of infected travelers from China, for fear of “xenophobia,” even as his son Hunter spent the millions he got from the Chinese Communist party.
Trump needs to smash at every opportunity the thin patina of normalcy and moderation that Biden retains from decades of living without any principles or a conscience, devoted above all to comfort and self-advancement.
Biden Appeals to Our National Vice: Complacency
Because that’s the great temptation most of us Americans struggle with. We’ve had peace and plenty so long we assume it’s the state of nature. We’re prone to dishonest arguments like Biden’s, that Trump is fomenting “division.” No, Trump is revealing division, in a way that hacks like John McCain and Mitt Romney never would. That makes people uncomfortable. It tempts them to stir in their easy chairs and change the channel.
Of course, as we saw in Seattle, Minneapolis, Portland, Kenosha, and countless other cities, our recliner sits in quicksand. Our living room is on fire. And the power-hungry zealots are marching into our neighborhoods. Do we want to see the police defunded, reduced to collecting firearms from compliant, timid citizens, while BLM rules the streets? That’s the question Trump needs to pose to American voters, day after day after day.
In that sense, Donald Trump has found himself, despite himself, cast as Jonah in Nineveh. That’s the hopeful scenario of course. The November election will tell us if instead he is Lot in Sodom, trying vainly to negotiate with the insatiable and the unspeakable.
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. He is co-author with Jason Jones of “God, Guns, & the Government.”