newsweek--2020-12-22--South Asian Man Compared to 'Bomber' by Woman on Bus

A man who was compared to a bomber by another passenger on a bus and victim of an alleged hate crime says he is saddened that no one came to his defense and appalled that the driver threatened to throw him off after he spoke out to defend himself .
Ali Imdad , a former contestant on the Great British Bake Off program , was on his way home on Sunday evening in Birmingham when a woman told him that Asians were `` everywhere '' and blamed `` people like him '' for `` all these bombings . ''
Imdad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
During the exchange , the woman can be heard telling Imdad : `` 50 years ago - there was no Asians .
Now it 's everywhere .
Unidentified woman : `` What have you done to the country ?
Imdad : `` What have I done to the country ?
What have you done to the country ? ''
Imdad : `` Oh so I have done the bombings ? ''
Imdad told Newsweek that he felt disappointed nobody came to his aid and that the only other passenger to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was another man who told him off for the way he spoke to the woman .
He also questioned the behavior of the driver on the National Express West Midlands bus and says the company has been in touch but did n't focus on the conduct of the driver .
He said : `` The person kept focusing on what the racist lady said , the bus company ca n't do anything about that , they ca n't be held responsible for what passengers say or do , I was more concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that he told me to get off the bus because I was speaking loudly .
`` Fair enough , if the policy is that drivers ca n't get involved but the fact that he got involved to throw me to off the bus and yet not get involved to threaten to throw the woman off the bus , that is concerning to me . ''
Imdad also feels that people of color are stereotyped as troublemakers .
He said : `` She had her voice raised , she was saying something but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people of color no matter what we do , even if we are victims , it 's always us who are aggressors and I just find that infuriating .
The fact that I was made to feel like the aggressor when I was the victim . ''
Imdad said other passengers only spoke out against the lady after she had left the passage .
He also feels that the normalization of Islamophobia means anti-Muslim prejudice is seen as more acceptable .
He said : `` It 's almost verging on being an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not here to silence freedom of speech , if you want to critique and criticize Islam and what you believe it stands for , by all means do .
Criticism and critique is a fundamental part of freedom of speech but there 's a difference between critiquing something and attacking somebody .
`` Sitting there calling me a bomber , is n't critiquing theological points of the religion , it 's essentially holding me responsible for what an absolutely tiny fraction of Muslims have done .
Over the last few years , Islamophobia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He says police have been in contact with him since the incident and are looking at camera footage on the bus to trace the lady .
Imdad wonders if society will take anti-Muslim prejudice and Islamophobia seriously .
`` Do I just accept that this is the status quo now ?
, '' he said .
`` Do I just accept that it 's OK to masquerade Islamophobia as criticism of the religion ?
It 's just infuriating because I feel like there 's nothing I can do .
I 'm one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I do n't think anyone wants to listen . ''
West Midlands Police say they are investigating the incident .
A spokesperson said : `` We 're investigating an alleged hate crime after a man was racially and verbally abused by another passenger while onboard the 94 bus on Corporation Street , Birmingham at around 6.15pm yesterday ( Sunday 20 December ) . ''
National Express West Midlands said they have a zero-tolerance approach towards racism .
A spokesperson said : `` National Express West Midlands takes strong action on racial abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on public transport to report it to West Midlands Safer Travel police .
We have crystal clear CCTV on all National Express buses and we will make the footage available to the police to help with any investigation .
National Express West Midlands will also investigate this incident and take any action necessary in line with our staff disciplinary procedures . ''

A man who was compared to a bomber by another passenger on a bus and victim of an alleged hate crime says he is saddened that no one came to his defense and appalled that the driver threatened to throw him off after he spoke out to defend himself.
Ali Imdad, a former contestant on the Great British Bake Off program, was on his way home on Sunday evening in Birmingham when a woman told him that Asians were "everywhere" and blamed "people like him" for "all these bombings."
Imdad uploaded footage of the incident to social media. During the exchange, the woman can be heard telling Imdad: "50 years ago - there was no Asians. Now it's everywhere.
Imdad: "So?"
Unidentified woman: "What have you done to the country?
Imdad: "What have I done to the country? What have you done to the country?"
Unidentified woman: "All these bombings."
Imdad: "Oh so I have done the bombings?"
Unidentified woman: "Yeah you have."
Ali Imdad says he is disappointed nobody intervened Ali Imdad
Imdad told Newsweek that he felt disappointed nobody came to his aid and that the only other passenger to speak out at the time of the incident, was another man who told him off for the way he spoke to the woman.
He also questioned the behavior of the driver on the National Express West Midlands bus and says the company has been in touch but didn't focus on the conduct of the driver.
He said: "The person kept focusing on what the racist lady said, the bus company can't do anything about that, they can't be held responsible for what passengers say or do, I was more concerned about how the driver reacted. The fact that he told me to get off the bus because I was speaking loudly.
"Fair enough, if the policy is that drivers can't get involved but the fact that he got involved to throw me to off the bus and yet not get involved to threaten to throw the woman off the bus, that is concerning to me."
Imdad also feels that people of color are stereotyped as troublemakers.
*The video contains strong langauge*
He said: "She had her voice raised, she was saying something but because it's always the same narrative that people of color no matter what we do, even if we are victims, it's always us who are aggressors and I just find that infuriating. The fact that I was made to feel like the aggressor when I was the victim."
Imdad said other passengers only spoke out against the lady after she had left the passage. He also feels that the normalization of Islamophobia means anti-Muslim prejudice is seen as more acceptable.
He said: "It's almost verging on being an acceptable form of racism. I'm not here to silence freedom of speech, if you want to critique and criticize Islam and what you believe it stands for, by all means do. Criticism and critique is a fundamental part of freedom of speech but there's a difference between critiquing something and attacking somebody.
"Sitting there calling me a bomber, isn't critiquing theological points of the religion, it's essentially holding me responsible for what an absolutely tiny fraction of Muslims have done. Over the last few years, Islamophobia has become more and more acceptable."
He says police have been in contact with him since the incident and are looking at camera footage on the bus to trace the lady. Imdad wonders if society will take anti-Muslim prejudice and Islamophobia seriously.
"Do I just accept that this is the status quo now?," he said. "Do I just accept that it's OK to masquerade Islamophobia as criticism of the religion? It's just infuriating because I feel like there's nothing I can do. I'm one person. As the bus incident shows, I don't think anyone wants to listen."
West Midlands Police say they are investigating the incident. A spokesperson said: "We're investigating an alleged hate crime after a man was racially and verbally abused by another passenger while onboard the 94 bus on Corporation Street, Birmingham at around 6.15pm yesterday (Sunday 20 December)."
National Express West Midlands said they have a zero-tolerance approach towards racism. A spokesperson said: "National Express West Midlands takes strong action on racial abuse. We encourage anyone experiencing hate crime on public transport to report it to West Midlands Safer Travel police. We have crystal clear CCTV on all National Express buses and we will make the footage available to the police to help with any investigation. National Express West Midlands will also investigate this incident and take any action necessary in line with our staff disciplinary procedures."


newsweek--2020-12-22--Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Send Christmas Presents to Prince William in Royal Truce

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have sent Christmas presents to Prince William and Kate Middleton , raising hope their years-long rift may be easing .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in person as Harry and Meghan will remain in California over Christmas .
However , they have sent gifts to William and Kate 's country retreat , Anmer Hall in Norfolk , as the royals prepare for Christmas without their traditional family get-together .
A source told Newsweek : `` The whole family is exchanging gifts in the way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the messages for the presents in a show of support for improved relations across the Atlantic , according to royal biographer Andrew Morton .
Morton told The Sun : `` Harry has sent presents to William and Kate and the calligraphy has been done by Meghan .
He plans to speak to his father and brother over Christmas . ''
The olive branch comes after Harry and Meghan biography Finding Freedom claimed Harry thought his brother was a snob .
The book suggests the princes fell out early in Harry 's relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow down and `` get to know this girl . ''
Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl told True Royalty TV 's The Royal Beat : `` There has been nine months since Megxit and relations are better .
I know that they are in touch , that they do talk .
I know that Harry sent over a load of presents for the Cambridge children .
They will Zoom and chat over the holidays . ''
Last Christmas Harry and Meghan were in Canada planning their exit from the royal family , but had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The news broke in January and triggered a crisis summit at Sandringham attended by both Harry and William .
Harry and Meghan completed their final royal engagements in March before beginning a new life in California .
However , over the summer the reality of their clash with William was laid out in Finding Freedom .
The book detailed how William offended his brother by telling him : `` Do n't feel you need to rush this .
Take as much time as you need to get to know this girl . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` In those last two words , 'this girl , ' Harry heard the tone of snobbishness that was anathema to his approach to the world .
`` During his 10-year career in the military , outside the royal bubble , he had learnt not to make snap judgments about people based on their accent , education , ethnicity , class or profession . ''
Meghan 's lawyers have stated in a court filing that she instructed a person to discuss a letter she had written to her father with the book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they have also suggested some sections were pieced together from Meghan 's former lifestyle website The Tig .

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have sent Christmas presents to Prince William and Kate Middleton, raising hope their years-long rift may be easing.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in person as Harry and Meghan will remain in California over Christmas.
However, they have sent gifts to William and Kate's country retreat, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, as the royals prepare for Christmas without their traditional family get-together.
A source told Newsweek: "The whole family is exchanging gifts in the way that it always has."
Meghan wrote the messages for the presents in a show of support for improved relations across the Atlantic, according to royal biographer Andrew Morton.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a reception for young people at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on February 13, 2018. Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty
Morton told The Sun: "Harry has sent presents to William and Kate and the calligraphy has been done by Meghan. He plans to speak to his father and brother over Christmas."
The olive branch comes after Harry and Meghan biography Finding Freedom claimed Harry thought his brother was a snob.
The book suggests the princes fell out early in Harry's relationship with Meghan after William told his brother to slow down and "get to know this girl."
Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl told True Royalty TV's The Royal Beat: "There has been nine months since Megxit and relations are better. I know that they are in touch, that they do talk. I know that Harry sent over a load of presents for the Cambridge children. They will Zoom and chat over the holidays."
Last Christmas Harry and Meghan were in Canada planning their exit from the royal family, but had not yet made their intentions public.
The news broke in January and triggered a crisis summit at Sandringham attended by both Harry and William.
Harry and Meghan completed their final royal engagements in March before beginning a new life in California.
Read more Why Sussexes Face a New Royal Rift After Remembrance Sunday Why Sussexes Face a New Royal Rift After Remembrance Sunday
However, over the summer the reality of their clash with William was laid out in Finding Freedom.
The book detailed how William offended his brother by telling him: "Don't feel you need to rush this. Take as much time as you need to get to know this girl."
Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote: "In those last two words, 'this girl,' Harry heard the tone of snobbishness that was anathema to his approach to the world.
"During his 10-year career in the military, outside the royal bubble, he had learnt not to make snap judgments about people based on their accent, education, ethnicity, class or profession."
Meghan's lawyers have stated in a court filing that she instructed a person to discuss a letter she had written to her father with the book's authors Scobie and Durand. However, they have also suggested some sections were pieced together from Meghan's former lifestyle website The Tig.


newsweek--2020-12-22--$600 Second Stimulus Checks Still Aren't Enough for Most Americans

A second round of stimulus checks worth up to $ 600 per recipient undercut what Americans wanted—and further polling suggests the figure is below what many feel they need .
Congress has passed a new COVID-19 relief package worth roughly $ 900 billion , including another lot of direct payments to assist those plunged into economic turmoil by the pandemic .
The $ 600 topline payment contrasts with the $ 1,200 checks sent out after the CARES Act was signed nearly nine months ago .
YouGov asked 2,504 U.S. adults on December 19 , prior to the bill being passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be `` too much , too little , or about right . ''
The majority of respondents , 70 percent , said too little .
The second most common answer was about right , with 17 percent opting for that , while five percent said too much .
Asked what they would most likely do with such funds , 28 percent said they would pay bills .
Another 20 percent said they would put it in emergency savings , 17 percent said pay towards debts and 14 percent said it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hygiene products .
The polling comes after a previous survey by Gallup in August showed the majority of Americans asked backed another stimulus check and most of those who did supported this being of $ 900 or more .
Separate polling from Data for Progress , conducted December 16 to 17 , found most asked supported another payment of $ 1,200 .
Of 1,098 respondents asked , 68 percent said they would strongly support that , while 20 percent said they would somewhat support it .
Lawmakers including Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too low , while some Democrats have voiced their desire to push for more stimulus next year .
Democrat figureheads House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) voiced their desire to take further action down the line .
The new agreement comes nearly nine months after the last stimulus package , the CARES Act , was signed off .
Lawmakers on each side have looked to shift blame for this delay onto their counterparts across the aisle .
Newsweek has contacted the Congressional leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their negotiations for comment .
The continued debate over stimulus , despite a deal having been reached on a new package , comes with confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. having surpassed 18 million throughout the pandemic , according to Johns Hopkins University figures .
There have been nearly 320,000 COVID-19 deaths across the nation .

A second round of stimulus checks worth up to $600 per recipient undercut what Americans wanted—and further polling suggests the figure is below what many feel they need.
Congress has passed a new COVID-19 relief package worth roughly $900 billion, including another lot of direct payments to assist those plunged into economic turmoil by the pandemic.
The $600 topline payment contrasts with the $1,200 checks sent out after the CARES Act was signed nearly nine months ago.
YouGov asked 2,504 U.S. adults on December 19, prior to the bill being passed, if they thought $600 payments would be "too much, too little, or about right."
The majority of respondents, 70 percent, said too little. The second most common answer was about right, with 17 percent opting for that, while five percent said too much.
Asked what they would most likely do with such funds, 28 percent said they would pay bills. Another 20 percent said they would put it in emergency savings, 17 percent said pay towards debts and 14 percent said it would be used for essentials such as food and hygiene products.
The polling comes after a previous survey by Gallup in August showed the majority of Americans asked backed another stimulus check and most of those who did supported this being of $900 or more.
Separate polling from Data for Progress, conducted December 16 to 17, found most asked supported another payment of $1,200. Of 1,098 respondents asked, 68 percent said they would strongly support that, while 20 percent said they would somewhat support it.
Read more Sanders to Push for Third Stimulus Check, Says $600 Second Round Not Enough Sanders to Push for Third Stimulus Check, Says $600 Second Round Not Enough
Lawmakers including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have said the $600 is too low, while some Democrats have voiced their desire to push for more stimulus next year.
Democrat figureheads House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voiced their desire to take further action down the line.
The new agreement comes nearly nine months after the last stimulus package, the CARES Act, was signed off. Lawmakers on each side have looked to shift blame for this delay onto their counterparts across the aisle.
Newsweek has contacted the Congressional leaders who agreed upon the $600 figure in their negotiations for comment.
The continued debate over stimulus, despite a deal having been reached on a new package, comes with confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. having surpassed 18 million throughout the pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins University figures. There have been nearly 320,000 COVID-19 deaths across the nation.


newsweek--2020-12-22--Yes, Cyber-Spying is That Bad | Opinion

Yes, Cyber-Spying is That Bad | Opinion

The United States has been attempting to strengthen its cybersecurity since at least 1988 , when it enacted the first Computer Security Act—replaced in 2002 by the Federal Security Management Act .
It sounds great in concept : federal agencies are required to `` develop , document , and implement '' programs for security management `` including those provided or managed by another agency , contractor , or other source . ''
Solarwinds , a network management software company , was recently discovered to have had malware inserted into its products .
Its clients ' systems have been compromised for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russians , possibly the Chinese—has been inside the U.S. Department of Defense , the Department of Homeland Security , the Treasury Department and major American industries .
The list gets longer every day .
The U.S. has a cybersecurity industry that costs the government and private companies billions of dollars .
But all that is money down the toilet if the entire infrastructure is compromised—which it currently is .
Virtually every computer and computer processor used in the United States is , in part or entirely , made in foreign countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of the hardware .
We have n't been looking at hardware for possible infiltration , but we should have been .
You may not remember Supermicro , but Amazon does .
In 2015 , Amazon Web Services was providing a `` secure cloud network '' for the CIA and other government agencies .
Supermicro in San Jose , CA , was a subcontractor that supplied motherboards to Amazon .
From China .
With extra microchips .
After a lot of damage was done , American investigators found that the chips were implanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a unit of the People 's Liberation Army .
Ultimately , investigators found malicious hardware on Supermicro motherboards at more than 30 companies—including Apple .
Oh , and did you know that 7 out of 10 smartphones sold in the U.S. are produced in China ?
The government uses them too .
You ca n't build an effective U.S. security system on top of foreign-built computer hardware .
Our adversaries gain significant advantages through hardware and software infiltration alike .
They learn how our networks work and how to break them .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own weapons and identify vulnerabilities in ours .
The huge haul of intelligence data gives them information they can barter with their allies .
The current wager is that the Solarwinds hack was done by the Russians , but if the Russians want the Chinese to buy more of their weapons , they can throw in a chunk of information about the U.S. Navy 's latest weapons or about how American vaccines work .
In fact , we simply do n't know whether the Chinese and Russians regularly collaborate to rip us off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not just us .
Every Western country has been hacked .
Even Israel , which is really good at cybersecurity , has been hit multiple times by its enemies , including Iran , which was able to break into Israel Aerospace Elta 's computer system .
Elta makes advanced radars that are vital to Israel 's security , powering the Iron Dome , David 's Sling and Arrow air defense systems .
Iran targets the U.S. as well .
Congressman Mike Rogers noted in The Wall Street Journal recently that the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appoint a national cyber director to eliminate duplicated security efforts and other cracks in the system .
`` This goes beyond contracts and purchasing agreements and must include recognition that the nation—private and public sectors—are under attack , '' Rogers said .
A cyber director needs a commission with subpoena power , free of political interference , and an investigatory team that can assess technology compromises and be responsible for innovative solutions with the goal of protecting American security and assuring American competitiveness in future .
Its mandate should include assessing how cybersecurity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have impacted U.S. national security and competitiveness .
It must also identify technology losses in industry as well as government , as well as potential losses in employment in the United States .
But most importantly , a cybersecurity commission should develop and field secure , American-designed and American-manufactured computers and network components , replacing all equipment used by the U.S. government and military , along with sensitive parts of the critical infrastructure .
At a minimum , that includes the Departments of Defense , Homeland Security , Energy and Treasury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and software , and the new computers must be independent and isolated from the public internet .
The new networks should be under security classification , encrypted and compartmentalized to minimize hacking attempts by intruders , foreign or domestic .
Big job ?
Yes .
Can we do it ?
Yes , and we have to .
If we continue as we have since 1988 , it is only a matter of time before American defenses go under .
It is that bad .
Stephen Bryen is the founder and first director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon .
Shoshana Bryen is senior director of The Jewish Policy Center and Editor of inFOCUS Quarterly .
The views expressed in this article are the writers ' own .

The United States has been attempting to strengthen its cybersecurity since at least 1988, when it enacted the first Computer Security Act—replaced in 2002 by the Federal Security Management Act. It sounds great in concept: federal agencies are required to "develop, document, and implement" programs for security management "including those provided or managed by another agency, contractor, or other source."
How's it working out?
Solarwinds, a network management software company, was recently discovered to have had malware inserted into its products. Its clients' systems have been compromised for as long as nine months. Someone—possibly the Russians, possibly the Chinese—has been inside the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Treasury Department and major American industries. The list gets longer every day.
The U.S. has a cybersecurity industry that costs the government and private companies billions of dollars. But all that is money down the toilet if the entire infrastructure is compromised—which it currently is. Virtually every computer and computer processor used in the United States is, in part or entirely, made in foreign countries, with China directly and indirectly providing 90 percent of the hardware. We haven't been looking at hardware for possible infiltration, but we should have been.
You may not remember Supermicro, but Amazon does. In 2015, Amazon Web Services was providing a "secure cloud network" for the CIA and other government agencies. Supermicro in San Jose, CA, was a subcontractor that supplied motherboards to Amazon. From China. With extra microchips. After a lot of damage was done, American investigators found that the chips were implanted at the Chinese factory by operatives from a unit of the People's Liberation Army. Ultimately, investigators found malicious hardware on Supermicro motherboards at more than 30 companies—including Apple. Oh, and did you know that 7 out of 10 smartphones sold in the U.S. are produced in China? The government uses them too.
You can't build an effective U.S. security system on top of foreign-built computer hardware.
Our adversaries gain significant advantages through hardware and software infiltration alike. They learn how our networks work and how to break them. They capture key technologies they need for their own weapons and identify vulnerabilities in ours. The huge haul of intelligence data gives them information they can barter with their allies. The current wager is that the Solarwinds hack was done by the Russians, but if the Russians want the Chinese to buy more of their weapons, they can throw in a chunk of information about the U.S. Navy's latest weapons or about how American vaccines work.
In fact, we simply don't know whether the Chinese and Russians regularly collaborate to rip us off.
But we should.
A Russian flag flies by surveillance cameras at the entrance to the Russian consulate in London on July 21, 2020. JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP/Getty
And it is not just us. Every Western country has been hacked. Even Israel, which is really good at cybersecurity, has been hit multiple times by its enemies, including Iran, which was able to break into Israel Aerospace Elta's computer system. Elta makes advanced radars that are vital to Israel's security, powering the Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow air defense systems. Iran targets the U.S. as well.
Congressman Mike Rogers noted in The Wall Street Journal recently that the National Defense Authorization Act contains a provision to appoint a national cyber director to eliminate duplicated security efforts and other cracks in the system. "This goes beyond contracts and purchasing agreements and must include recognition that the nation—private and public sectors—are under attack," Rogers said.
A cyber director needs a commission with subpoena power, free of political interference, and an investigatory team that can assess technology compromises and be responsible for innovative solutions with the goal of protecting American security and assuring American competitiveness in future.
Its mandate should include assessing how cybersecurity breaches, including but not only Solarwinds, have impacted U.S. national security and competitiveness. It must also identify technology losses in industry as well as government, as well as potential losses in employment in the United States.
But most importantly, a cybersecurity commission should develop and field secure, American-designed and American-manufactured computers and network components, replacing all equipment used by the U.S. government and military, along with sensitive parts of the critical infrastructure. At a minimum, that includes the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Energy and Treasury. The overhaul should include hardware, firmware and software, and the new computers must be independent and isolated from the public internet. The new networks should be under security classification, encrypted and compartmentalized to minimize hacking attempts by intruders, foreign or domestic.
Big job? Yes. Can we do it? Yes, and we have to. If we continue as we have since 1988, it is only a matter of time before American defenses go under. It is that bad.
Stephen Bryen is the founder and first director of the Defense Technology Security Administration at the Pentagon. Shoshana Bryen is senior director of The Jewish Policy Center and Editor of inFOCUS Quarterly.
The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.


newsweek--2020-12-22--Tucker Carlson Rails Against 'Woke Activism,' Warns About Consequences

Tucker Carlson has railed against `` woke activism '' in a rant condemning affirmative action and identity politics .
The conservative Fox News host labeled socially aware activism a `` kind of childish sideshow that plays out mostly on college campuses and public radio shows . ''
On Monday night 's episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight , he said he feared that the military and leadership class was becoming infected by what he called `` race obsession . ''
The Fox segment was accompanied by a similar op-ed on the Fox News website .
`` But what if the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passing phase ?
What if race obsession is not a fad , but instead an incurable brain virus that 's infected our country 's entire leadership class ? ''
Carlson asked .
`` If that 's the case , then we 're in trouble .
Our grandchildren wo n't laugh about what 's happening right now .
In fact , at this pace , a lot of Americans wo n't have grandchildren . ''
Carlson criticized President-elect Joe Biden 's cabinet selection , saying the Democrat was not choosing the `` most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Instead , he 's telling you what they look like .
Their appearance is all that matters .
So it turns out your mother was wrong , you can judge a book by its cover .
In fact , you 're now required to , '' he said .
`` Over time , identity politics will destroy our country . ''
Carlson went on to express concern for the military becoming more inclusive .
`` What if the woke brain virus began to infect the last remaining meritocracy in this country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked .
`` If that happened , it would be a legitimate disaster . ''
Last week , Carlson doubled down on his warnings about the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine .
`` There 's never in history been a successful vaccine for any variety of the coronavirus , '' he said .
`` Americans understand that many of our leaders really do n't care about them .
They do n't care for human beings in general , '' Carlson went on .
Carlson faced further criticism last week for mocking Dr. Jill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her use of the title Dr. '' Jill Biden is not a doctor , no .
Maybe in the same sense Dr. Pepper is , '' Carlson said on last Monday 's installment of Tucker Carlson Tonight .
`` In 2007 , at the age of 55 , she got a doctorate in education , so she 's got the same degree as Dr. Bill Cosby . ''
He went on to accuse Dr. Biden of having `` status anxiety , '' saying she `` decided to cure that , as so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another pointless title . ''

Tucker Carlson has railed against "woke activism" in a rant condemning affirmative action and identity politics.
The conservative Fox News host labeled socially aware activism a "kind of childish sideshow that plays out mostly on college campuses and public radio shows."
On Monday night's episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight, he said he feared that the military and leadership class was becoming infected by what he called "race obsession."
The Fox segment was accompanied by a similar op-ed on the Fox News website.
"But what if the current lunacy turns out to be more than a passing phase? What if race obsession is not a fad, but instead an incurable brain virus that's infected our country's entire leadership class?" Carlson asked.
"If that's the case, then we're in trouble. Our grandchildren won't laugh about what's happening right now. In fact, at this pace, a lot of Americans won't have grandchildren."
Fox News host Tucker Carlson discusses 'Populism and the Right' at a National Review Institute summit on March 29, 2019, in Washington, D.C. Carlson has railed against identity politics. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Carlson criticized President-elect Joe Biden's cabinet selection, saying the Democrat was not choosing the "most competent people for key jobs."
"Instead, he's telling you what they look like. Their appearance is all that matters. So it turns out your mother was wrong, you can judge a book by its cover. In fact, you're now required to," he said.
"Over time, identity politics will destroy our country."
Carlson went on to express concern for the military becoming more inclusive. "What if the woke brain virus began to infect the last remaining meritocracy in this country, the U.S. military?" he asked. "If that happened, it would be a legitimate disaster."
Last week, Carlson doubled down on his warnings about the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine.
"There's never in history been a successful vaccine for any variety of the coronavirus," he said.
"Americans understand that many of our leaders really don't care about them. They don't care for human beings in general," Carlson went on.
Carlson faced further criticism last week for mocking Dr. Jill Biden in a monologue about her qualifications and her use of the title Dr.
"Jill Biden is not a doctor, no. Maybe in the same sense Dr. Pepper is," Carlson said on last Monday's installment of Tucker Carlson Tonight.
"In 2007, at the age of 55, she got a doctorate in education, so she's got the same degree as Dr. Bill Cosby."
He went on to accuse Dr. Biden of having "status anxiety," saying she "decided to cure that, as so many do in our country, with another pointless title."


newsweek--2020-12-22--Oregon State Senator Rips Off Mask in Protest During COVID Relief Talks

Oregon State Senator Dallas Heard has protested mask requirements by ripping off his face covering during a special legislative session for COVID-19 relief at the Capitol in Salem .
Lawmakers had been asked to follow strict guidelines while meeting in the Capitol , including wearing masks or face coverings while on the floor .
After being called upon for remonstrances , Heard , a Republican , expressed his outrage at mask rules .
`` This is yet another illegitimate session where you , the Democratic majority , have declared the people unfit to participate in person in their own Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said .
`` Let the record reflect that I am in fierce opposition to any legislation that this illegitimate assembly may pass today .
You will be held accountable for this in the coming years . ''
Heard accused his Democratic colleagues of joining Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown in a `` campaign of intimidation against the people and children of God . ''
He then quoted scripture , before adding : `` You 've oppressed the free peoples of Oregon .
You 've said to me through my caucus leader that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks today and that your false authority will be enforced against any of us who do n't submit to you .
`` If you had not done such great evil to my people and had simply asked me to wear this mask , I would have .
But you commanded it and therefore , I declare my right to protest against your false authority and remove my mask . ''
Heard then ripped off his mask and said he would remain standing for 30 seconds `` while you decide whether you are fascists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and override my rights or to prove that you are nothing more than bullies and false authorities . ''
He stood in silence for a few seconds , before Senate President Peter Courtney called for the next item on the agenda .
That prompted the pair to talk over each other until Courtney asked for Heard 's microphone to be switched off .
Heard 's protest was n't the only one that took place during Monday 's session .
Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that far-right protesters stormed the statehouse as the session got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's economy and lift coronavirus restrictions .
The Oregon State Police ( OSP ) declared an unlawful assembly after protesters pushed their way into the building and chanted `` let us in '' and `` arrest Kate Brown , '' according to the outlet .
In a news release , the OSP reported that troopers were sprayed with `` some kind of chemical agent '' on two separate occasions on Monday morning while dealing with protesters in the building .
OSP said its troopers and Salem police officers gave protesters several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State police said they used inert pepper balls to keep the crowd back .
At least four people were arrested on Monday , including 41-year-old Ryan Lyles who OSP said sprayed bear mace at officers .

Oregon State Senator Dallas Heard has protested mask requirements by ripping off his face covering during a special legislative session for COVID-19 relief at the Capitol in Salem.
Lawmakers had been asked to follow strict guidelines while meeting in the Capitol, including wearing masks or face coverings while on the floor. After being called upon for remonstrances, Heard, a Republican, expressed his outrage at mask rules.
"This is yet another illegitimate session where you, the Democratic majority, have declared the people unfit to participate in person in their own Capitol building," Heard, a Republican, said.
So now Sen Dallas Heard, R-Roseburg, accuses Democrats of joining Gov Kate Brown in a “campaign against the people and the children of god.” He’s angry about a mask mandate and takes his off. Attempts to stand silent for 30 seconds. #orleg. pic.twitter.com/dHyI4YzZye — Dirk VanderHart (@dirquez) December 21, 2020
"Let the record reflect that I am in fierce opposition to any legislation that this illegitimate assembly may pass today. You will be held accountable for this in the coming years."
Heard accused his Democratic colleagues of joining Oregon Gov. Kate Brown in a "campaign of intimidation against the people and children of God."
He then quoted scripture, before adding: "You've oppressed the free peoples of Oregon. You've said to me through my caucus leader that we are being forced to wear these masks today and that your false authority will be enforced against any of us who don't submit to you.
"If you had not done such great evil to my people and had simply asked me to wear this mask, I would have. But you commanded it and therefore, I declare my right to protest against your false authority and remove my mask."
Heard then ripped off his mask and said he would remain standing for 30 seconds "while you decide whether you are fascists willing to use the government to force and override my rights or to prove that you are nothing more than bullies and false authorities."
He stood in silence for a few seconds, before Senate President Peter Courtney called for the next item on the agenda. That prompted the pair to talk over each other until Courtney asked for Heard's microphone to be switched off.
Heard's protest wasn't the only one that took place during Monday's session.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that far-right protesters stormed the statehouse as the session got underway, calling on lawmakers to reopen the state's economy and lift coronavirus restrictions.
The Oregon State Police (OSP) declared an unlawful assembly after protesters pushed their way into the building and chanted "let us in" and "arrest Kate Brown," according to the outlet.
In a news release, the OSP reported that troopers were sprayed with "some kind of chemical agent" on two separate occasions on Monday morning while dealing with protesters in the building.
OSP said its troopers and Salem police officers gave protesters several warnings to leave or face arrest. State police said they used inert pepper balls to keep the crowd back.
At least four people were arrested on Monday, including 41-year-old Ryan Lyles who OSP said sprayed bear mace at officers.


newsweek--2020-12-22--Democrats, Media Fuel Vaccine Skepticism | Opinion

Some Americans question the effectiveness of the coronavirus vaccines and others vow not to take one at all .
After Democratic politicians again closed the economy without data to justify their mandates , and ran a rather bizarre vaccine marketing campaign , should we be surprised that some people are wary ?
From Washington and California to New York and Rhode Island , we were told that COVID mandates would be based on `` science and data . ''
It became a common refrain from Democrats ; a virtue signal that they were n't acting like President Donald Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ science and data '' presented neither to justify their latest mandates .
It was as if they thought saying the phrase would be an adequate replacement for following it .
Los Angeles County closed all outdoor dining last month , claiming it posed a dire risk of spreading the coronavirus .
No scientific evidence tied outdoor dining to the virus surge .
A judge called the move an `` abuse ... not grounded in science , evidence , or logic . ''
And while the spread in New York is fueled overwhelmingly by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Andrew Cuomo shut down restaurants for indoor dining anyway .
Washington governor Jay Inslee shut gyms even though his own contact tracing was unable to tie coronavirus cases to them .
Rhode Islanders were directed to refrain from non-essential activities due to the imminent and deadly spread of COVID , but Governor Gina Raimondo attended a wine and paint event with her husband .
All of the new mandates have come despite a near-religious adherence to wearing masks in public , which we were told—and are still told with Joe Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID .
What happened to being guided by science and data ?
The inconsistency over which pieces of science or data Democratic politicians decide to follow has created more than just anger and resentment from the public ; it 's created distrust that 's impacting the vaccine .
If you have any questions or concerns , however , you had better keep them to yourself , or you 'll be shamed and bullied into submission .
The latest Pew Research Poll shows 39 percent of Americans say they definitely or probably would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of them say they could change their mind as they learn more about the side effects and patient experiences .
Another 21 percent said they wo n't ever consider the vaccine—15 percent said the same in the newest ABC News/Ipsos poll .
After roughly nine months of falsely insisting that Trump could not ensure vaccine development and distribution by the end of the year , some Americans are undoubtedly wondering if the process was rushed and unsafe .
That makes sense : they were prompted to be untrusting .
The national media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health officials .
They attacked Dr. Deborah Birx as a Trump apologist , questioned the credibility and integrity of Dr. Robert Redfield from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and used Admiral Brett Giroir to hammer Trump rallies as super-spreader events ( though the same outlets praised Black Lives Matter protests as brave and necessary . )
Now the national media wonder why some are ignoring these same public officials as they promote the vaccine ?
The media slammed Dr. Scott Atlas as unqualified , yet he is the one encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Who do the outlets turn to now ?
Bill Gates ( a shutdown proponent who is not a doctor ) and Anthony Fauci ( whom conservatives distrust over his months of offering conflicting advice ) .
That wo n't help the skeptics .
As the vaccine was distributed , the media found itself in a difficult spot .
Objectively speaking , the rollout is a major news story ( and accomplishment for the Trump administration ) .
And the more public officials and medical professionals take the vaccine , the higher the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some point there was so much fawning coverage that it felt like a contrived publicity stunt .
It almost looked like a marketing campaign overcompensating for a trailer the studio knew was much better than the movie .
Admittedly , even I started to question the vaccine based on the media coverage—and I had always intended to get it when available ( and still do ) .
Making matters worse is the alarming trend to stifle questions about anything related to the vaccine , even when the questions are a reasonable reaction to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Fox News , Tucker Carlson noted as much , pointing out the absurdly positive coverage of a nurse who suffered anaphylaxis after taking the vaccine .
Rather than honest conversations about the risks and rewards of vaccines , we got ridiculous reports of enthusiasm from the nurse , even `` as she is rushed to the emergency room . ''
Carlson professed to be `` strongly supportive of vaccines , '' but he understands that condescending marketing is off-putting .
He was viciously attacked for his analysis .
Vox 's Aaron Rupar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Lockhart called him a science denialist .
Are you sensing a trend ?
Do n't question lockdowns—even when data do n't justify them .
And if you raise legitimate and good-faith questions about the vaccine after the media told us to question everything coming from Trump , the media will attack you .
In 2020 , it 's forbidden to question decisions or positions of Democrats and the media .
And it 's that very attitude that 's fueled the vaccine skepticism .
Jason Rantz is a frequent guest on Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rantz Show on KTTH Seattle , heard weekday afternoons .
You can subscribe to his podcast here and follow him on Twitter : @ jasonrantz .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

Some Americans question the effectiveness of the coronavirus vaccines and others vow not to take one at all. After Democratic politicians again closed the economy without data to justify their mandates, and ran a rather bizarre vaccine marketing campaign, should we be surprised that some people are wary?
From Washington and California to New York and Rhode Island, we were told that COVID mandates would be based on "science and data." It became a common refrain from Democrats; a virtue signal that they weren't acting like President Donald Trump.
Yet the politicians screaming the phrase "science and data" presented neither to justify their latest mandates. It was as if they thought saying the phrase would be an adequate replacement for following it.
Los Angeles County closed all outdoor dining last month, claiming it posed a dire risk of spreading the coronavirus. No scientific evidence tied outdoor dining to the virus surge. A judge called the move an "abuse...not grounded in science, evidence, or logic." And while the spread in New York is fueled overwhelmingly by small, private gatherings in homes, Governor Andrew Cuomo shut down restaurants for indoor dining anyway.
Washington governor Jay Inslee shut gyms even though his own contact tracing was unable to tie coronavirus cases to them. Rhode Islanders were directed to refrain from non-essential activities due to the imminent and deadly spread of COVID, but Governor Gina Raimondo attended a wine and paint event with her husband.
All of the new mandates have come despite a near-religious adherence to wearing masks in public, which we were told—and are still told with Joe Biden's 100-day mask pledge—will significantly cut the spread of COVID. What happened to being guided by science and data?
The inconsistency over which pieces of science or data Democratic politicians decide to follow has created more than just anger and resentment from the public; it's created distrust that's impacting the vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns, however, you had better keep them to yourself, or you'll be shamed and bullied into submission.
The latest Pew Research Poll shows 39 percent of Americans say they definitely or probably would not get a vaccine, though about half of them say they could change their mind as they learn more about the side effects and patient experiences. Another 21 percent said they won't ever consider the vaccine—15 percent said the same in the newest ABC News/Ipsos poll.
A needlessly antagonistic and smug national media fuels the vaccine distrust.
After roughly nine months of falsely insisting that Trump could not ensure vaccine development and distribution by the end of the year, some Americans are undoubtedly wondering if the process was rushed and unsafe. That makes sense: they were prompted to be untrusting.
Walgreens pharmacist Jessica Sahni prepares a Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at The New Jewish Home long-term care facility on Manhattans Upper West Side in New York on December 21, 2020. Bryan R. Smith / AFP/Getty
The national media spent the year discrediting even Trump's public health officials. They attacked Dr. Deborah Birx as a Trump apologist, questioned the credibility and integrity of Dr. Robert Redfield from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and used Admiral Brett Giroir to hammer Trump rallies as super-spreader events (though the same outlets praised Black Lives Matter protests as brave and necessary.)
Now the national media wonder why some are ignoring these same public officials as they promote the vaccine? The media slammed Dr. Scott Atlas as unqualified, yet he is the one encouraging the most vulnerable to get the vaccine.
Who do the outlets turn to now? Bill Gates (a shutdown proponent who is not a doctor) and Anthony Fauci (whom conservatives distrust over his months of offering conflicting advice). That won't help the skeptics.
As the vaccine was distributed, the media found itself in a difficult spot. Objectively speaking, the rollout is a major news story (and accomplishment for the Trump administration). And the more public officials and medical professionals take the vaccine, the higher the trust level will be.
But at some point there was so much fawning coverage that it felt like a contrived publicity stunt. It almost looked like a marketing campaign overcompensating for a trailer the studio knew was much better than the movie. Admittedly, even I started to question the vaccine based on the media coverage—and I had always intended to get it when available (and still do).
Making matters worse is the alarming trend to stifle questions about anything related to the vaccine, even when the questions are a reasonable reaction to the media's previous months-long coverage.
On Fox News, Tucker Carlson noted as much, pointing out the absurdly positive coverage of a nurse who suffered anaphylaxis after taking the vaccine. Rather than honest conversations about the risks and rewards of vaccines, we got ridiculous reports of enthusiasm from the nurse, even "as she is rushed to the emergency room."
Carlson professed to be "strongly supportive of vaccines," but he understands that condescending marketing is off-putting. He was viciously attacked for his analysis. Vox's Aaron Rupar labeled him an anti-vaxxer and CNN's Joe Lockhart called him a science denialist.
Are you sensing a trend? Don't question lockdowns—even when data don't justify them. And if you raise legitimate and good-faith questions about the vaccine after the media told us to question everything coming from Trump, the media will attack you.
In 2020, it's forbidden to question decisions or positions of Democrats and the media. And it's that very attitude that's fueled the vaccine skepticism.
Jason Rantz is a frequent guest on Fox News and is the host of the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH Seattle, heard weekday afternoons. You can subscribe to his podcast here and follow him on Twitter: @jasonrantz.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-22--Stunning Photos Show Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn Making 'Christmas Star'

Skygazers around the world were treated to a once in a lifetime experience on Monday , when the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn formed what has been dubbed a Christmas Star .
Photos from the event that occurred at 5:53 p.m. EST showed the huge gas giants shining in the night sky , appearing to come closer than they had done for almost 400 years .
From Earth , they looked a tenth of a degree apart , or the thickness of a dime held at arm 's length .
Monday 's celestial show was also the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jupiter aligned at night , meaning the conjunction could be seen from almost anywhere in the world .
Those armed with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope could see the planets and their moons through one field of view , with Saturn looking closer to Jupiter than some of the planet 's moons , NASA said .
In space , however , they were still hundreds of millions of miles apart .
Jupiter and Saturn align about once every two decades .
`` But [ for the planets to be this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Tim O'Brien , an astrophysicist at the University of Manchester in the U.K. , told BBC News .
Explaining the phenomenon , NASA astronomer Henry Throop said in a statement last week : `` You can imagine the solar system to be a racetrack , with each of the planets as a runner in their own lane and the Earth toward the center of the stadium .
`` From our vantage point , we 'll be able to be to see Jupiter on the inside lane , approaching Saturn all month and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The occasion was made even more special as it coincidentally landed on the Winter Solstice—the longest night and shortest day of the year—and days before Christmas on December 25 , earning it the nickname the `` Christmas Star . ''
Jupiter and Saturn will not appear so close in the sky until 2080 and then for another 337 years after that in 2417 .
Those who missed the great conjunction still have a chance to see Jupiter and Saturn appearing to sit relatively close to one another in the sky for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science Division tweeted on Monday .
Jonathan McDowell , an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics , told Reuters : `` Big telescopes do n't help that much , modest binoculars are perfect , and even the eyeball is okay for seeing that they are right together . ''
Those who got a taste for astronomy on Monday can look forward to the continuation of the peak of the Ursid meteor show today .
This article has been updated to clarify information about the great conjunction .

Skygazers around the world were treated to a once in a lifetime experience on Monday, when the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn formed what has been dubbed a Christmas Star.
Photos from the event that occurred at 5:53 p.m. EST showed the huge gas giants shining in the night sky, appearing to come closer than they had done for almost 400 years. From Earth, they looked a tenth of a degree apart, or the thickness of a dime held at arm's length.
Monday's celestial show was also the first time in nearly 800 years that Saturn and Jupiter aligned at night, meaning the conjunction could be seen from almost anywhere in the world.
Jupiter (left) and Saturn appear about one-tenth of a degree apart during the great conjunction on December 21, 2020 in Santa Barbara, California. Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Those armed with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope could see the planets and their moons through one field of view, with Saturn looking closer to Jupiter than some of the planet's moons, NASA said. In space, however, they were still hundreds of millions of miles apart.
Jupiter and Saturn align about once every two decades. "But [for the planets to be this close] is quite remarkable," Professor Tim O'Brien, an astrophysicist at the University of Manchester in the U.K., told BBC News.
Explaining the phenomenon, NASA astronomer Henry Throop said in a statement last week: "You can imagine the solar system to be a racetrack, with each of the planets as a runner in their own lane and the Earth toward the center of the stadium.
"From our vantage point, we'll be able to be to see Jupiter on the inside lane, approaching Saturn all month and finally overtaking it on December 21."
Astrophotographers follow the great conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in al-Salmi district, a desert area 75 miles west of Kuwait City, on December 21, 2020. YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images
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The occasion was made even more special as it coincidentally landed on the Winter Solstice—the longest night and shortest day of the year—and days before Christmas on December 25, earning it the nickname the "Christmas Star."
Jupiter and Saturn will not appear so close in the sky until 2080 and then for another 337 years after that in 2417.
Those who missed the great conjunction still have a chance to see Jupiter and Saturn appearing to sit relatively close to one another in the sky for the next few days, NASA's Planetary Science Division tweeted on Monday.
☁😞☁ Cloudy where you are for today's #GreatConjunction? Don't forget that Jupiter & Saturn will still be very close together – and quite a sight – in the southwest sky for the next few days! ✨ Bright Jupiter will be just to the left of dimmer Saturn. https://t.co/XZ1legBvZ0 pic.twitter.com/TJum2KiZF9 — NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) December 21, 2020
Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, told Reuters: "Big telescopes don't help that much, modest binoculars are perfect, and even the eyeball is okay for seeing that they are right together."
Those who got a taste for astronomy on Monday can look forward to the continuation of the peak of the Ursid meteor show today.
Frank Delargy told Newsweek he shot the image below in his back yard in Tampa, Florida. He said he spent the evening "enjoying the beautiful colorful sunset and preparing my camera gear."
Delargy said he was "very excited" to see the great conjunction.
"Getting two planets in one frame is extremely rare and these two planets are the best," he said.
About as close as they got. Jupiter and Saturn on Dec 21st at 6:15 PM. Jupiter moons from top to bottom.. Callisto, Io, Ganymede (almost touching Jupiter) and Europa below it. I was able to get Rhea...
Matt Smith, who runs the @InsertAstroNameHere Instagram account, took the image below. He told Newsweek he watched the event on Monday with his mom, at his home in East Bernard, Texas.
"Seeing Saturn or Jupiter through a modest telescope is always breathtaking whether it's the first time or the 1000th time, but seeing them at the same time was a little intense and jaw dropping, especially last night when they were in the same field of view using a higher magnification eyepiece," he said. "Humbling is the word I would use to be describe looking at both of them together."
Smith said he felt like the event brought "humanity together for even the shortest moment in one of the most turbulent years in our lifetimes."
This article has been updated to clarify information about the great conjunction, and with comments from Frank Delargy and Matt Smith.


newsweek--2020-12-22--North Korea Still Claims No Coronavirus Infections Ahead of Major Regime Gathering

North Korea maintains it has recorded no COVID-19 coronavirus cases as Pyongyang prepares for a major regime conference next month where dictator Kim Jong Un is expected to set out his foreign and domestic policy direction to thousands of party members .
The secretive Northern regime has said throughout the pandemic that the virus—which has killed more than 1.7 million people worldwide and infected in excess of 77 million—has not taken hold within its borders , despite skepticism from public health experts and North Korea watchers .
The World Health Organization said Tuesday that North Korea has now conducted 10,960 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This includes 791 people tested from November 27 to December 3 , and another 766 from December 3 to December 10 .
Pyongyang has been forcibly quarantining anyone suspected of infection .
As of December 3 , the WHO said a total of 33,223 people have been released from quarantine .
The regime began closing off the country 's borders in January as outbreaks appeared in bordering China and South Korea .
The inter-Korean border is heavily militarized and near impassable , but the northern border with China is porous and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impoverished country .
Nonetheless , Pyongyang severely restricted the movement of people and goods across the border , slashing imports from China by some 96 percent in March 2020 compared with March 2019 .
It was even reported that Kim had left Pyongyang to shelter from the virus at the exclusive east coast seaside resort of Wonsan .
The dictator disappeared from view for several weeks earlier this year , prompting speculation he had died or was otherwise incapacitated .
American intelligence officials suggested he was in Wonsan to avoid exposure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's grand claims of success , there have been reports of outbreaks within the country .
In March , the South Korea-based Daily NK website suggested that at least 1,800 North Korean soldiers had succumbed to the virus , with thousands more in quarantine having been exposed .
The North is now enhancing its anti-virus measures ahead of next month 's 8th Congress of the Workers ' Party of Korea , the first such gathering in five years and one the regime can not afford to be disrupted .
The event will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , presenting Kim the opportunity to either provoke the incoming administration—for example with major weapon tests or other announcements—or open the door to dialogue with the new president .
Rodong Sinmun—the official newspaper of the ruling Workers ' Party of Korea—said it was `` crucial '' for readers to ensure they are `` absolutely obeying '' the anti-virus measures , thereby `` guarding '' the success of the coming convention , according to a report by The Korea Times .
The regime has introduced an `` 80-day campaign '' to achieve its goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been speculation that the virus might prompt a delay to the event , but for now state media is still celebrating Pyongyang 's apparent anti-virus success .

North Korea maintains it has recorded no COVID-19 coronavirus cases as Pyongyang prepares for a major regime conference next month where dictator Kim Jong Un is expected to set out his foreign and domestic policy direction to thousands of party members.
The secretive Northern regime has said throughout the pandemic that the virus—which has killed more than 1.7 million people worldwide and infected in excess of 77 million—has not taken hold within its borders, despite skepticism from public health experts and North Korea watchers.
The World Health Organization said Tuesday that North Korea has now conducted 10,960 coronavirus tests and found zero positive cases. This includes 791 people tested from November 27 to December 3, and another 766 from December 3 to December 10.
Pyongyang has been forcibly quarantining anyone suspected of infection. As of December 3, the WHO said a total of 33,223 people have been released from quarantine.
The regime began closing off the country's borders in January as outbreaks appeared in bordering China and South Korea. The inter-Korean border is heavily militarized and near impassable, but the northern border with China is porous and a key source of imports and income for the impoverished country.
Nonetheless, Pyongyang severely restricted the movement of people and goods across the border, slashing imports from China by some 96 percent in March 2020 compared with March 2019.
It was even reported that Kim had left Pyongyang to shelter from the virus at the exclusive east coast seaside resort of Wonsan. The dictator disappeared from view for several weeks earlier this year, prompting speculation he had died or was otherwise incapacitated. American intelligence officials suggested he was in Wonsan to avoid exposure to the coronavirus pandemic.
For all Pyongyang's grand claims of success, there have been reports of outbreaks within the country. In March, the South Korea-based Daily NK website suggested that at least 1,800 North Korean soldiers had succumbed to the virus, with thousands more in quarantine having been exposed.
The North is now enhancing its anti-virus measures ahead of next month's 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, the first such gathering in five years and one the regime cannot afford to be disrupted.
The event will also coincide with President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, presenting Kim the opportunity to either provoke the incoming administration—for example with major weapon tests or other announcements—or open the door to dialogue with the new president.
Rodong Sinmun—the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea—said it was "crucial" for readers to ensure they are "absolutely obeying" the anti-virus measures, thereby "guarding" the success of the coming convention, according to a report by The Korea Times.
The regime has introduced an "80-day campaign" to achieve its goals in time for the convention. There has been speculation that the virus might prompt a delay to the event, but for now state media is still celebrating Pyongyang's apparent anti-virus success.


newsweek--2020-12-22--All I Want for Christmas is a Saner Foreign Policy | Opinion

This year 's holiday season is a particularly depressing one for hundreds of millions of Americans .
Many will choose to stay home rather than fly or drive to visit relatives , unsure whether traveling is the right thing to do with the coronavirus spreading out of control .
Businesses normally dependent on the holiday to boost their end-of-year profits are now struggling to stay above water .
With a full plate of trouble at home , the last thing the United States needs right now is reckless or counterproductive policy overseas .
The $ 600 stimulus payments and financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best gift Washington can give the American people this holiday season is a large dose of common sense in U.S. foreign and national security policy .
All of this sounds a bit general .
What , after all , does a common-sense foreign policy look like ?
How would it be structured ?
And how much would it cost ?
Ask 10 people these questions and you 're likely to get 10 different answers .
But for yours truly , a foreign policy of common sense would prioritize three overarching themes : 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. military force globally , 2 ) putting national security threats in perspective , and 3 ) challenging conventional wisdom .
The first item on the list is arguably the most pressing .
Ever since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1992 , the United States has expanded its military reach to every corner of the globe .
The dream of unchallenged U.S. primacy that foreign policy analysts proffered in the 1990s and early 2000s have turned out to be extremely expensive and shortsighted .
There are approximately 800 U.S. military bases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe alone ) , many of which are either duplicative or totally unnecessary for keeping the United States safe and secure .
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley appears to agree with this conclusion .
He told a panel in early December that the Defense Department needs to look for savings as the defense budget is likely to remain flat over the next several years .
Part of the savings , according to Milley , would involve consolidating or outright shuttering permanent military facilities that were never supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downsizing the U.S. military presence globally would n't just serve as a cost-cutting exercise .
It would also preserve U.S. military readiness over the long term by ensuring American soldiers , sailors , marines and airmen and women are n't stretching themselves by taking on the role of the world 's geopolitical firefighters—an inevitable consequence of an over-zealous , knee-jerk and reactive foreign policy .
Gift number two is placing the full threat picture into perspective .
The hysterics surrounding all things Russia is a perfect case study in how frequently the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This trend has become starker over the past week , as U.S. intelligence officials finger Moscow for one of the most sophisticated , comprehensive hacks into U.S. government systems in history .
Do n't get me wrong : the purported Russian-orchestrated cyber-intrusion into U.S. systems is a serious event that should n't be understated ( even Tom Bossert , President Donald Trump 's former homeland security adviser , acknowledged how concerning the breach was ) .
But neither should Washington overestimate Russia 's power .
The media has exhibited an alarming , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin 's Russia as a more prepared and durable version of the Soviet Union .
Yet zoom out of the daily news cycle , and you can see that modern-day Russia is a relatively weak nation with extreme internal vulnerabilities .
The Russian economy is completely subject to the whims of the global oil market .
The Kremlin faces significant demographic problems that will limit its productivity , and its financial situation is so extended at the moment that Russia 's Finance Ministry is recommending a 10 percent cut in the defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hacker , but it can barely take care of its own people .
Last but not least , a foreign policy of common sense would include a willingness to buck the conventional paradigm that has dominated the Beltway for decades .
Economic sanctions—a tool promoted and used on both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue with willful abandon—would be reevaluated and tied to realistic U.S. policy objectives rather than used exclusively as a form of punishment or upheld as a magic bullet to solve all of Washington 's foreign policy problems .
Pragmatic diplomacy with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an integral part of statecraft instead of a concession .
U.S. military force would be treated as a last resort rather than a panacea .
And the U.S. would restrain itself from the urge `` to do something '' every time a minor disaster rears its ugly head , opting instead for an unemotional analysis of the costs and benefits of intervention .
Americans will likely have to wait until the next U.S. administration—and perhaps even longer—before these holiday wishes are fulfilled .
But at this point , simply starting the discussion would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daniel DePetris is a columnist at the Washington Examiner , a contributor to the National Interest and a fellow with the Defense Priorities think tank .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

This year's holiday season is a particularly depressing one for hundreds of millions of Americans. Many will choose to stay home rather than fly or drive to visit relatives, unsure whether traveling is the right thing to do with the coronavirus spreading out of control. Businesses normally dependent on the holiday to boost their end-of-year profits are now struggling to stay above water.
With a full plate of trouble at home, the last thing the United States needs right now is reckless or counterproductive policy overseas. The $600 stimulus payments and financial assistance to small businesses aside, the best gift Washington can give the American people this holiday season is a large dose of common sense in U.S. foreign and national security policy.
All of this sounds a bit general. What, after all, does a common-sense foreign policy look like? How would it be structured? And how much would it cost? Ask 10 people these questions and you're likely to get 10 different answers. But for yours truly, a foreign policy of common sense would prioritize three overarching themes: 1) ditching unnecessary security commitments and rightsizing U.S. military force globally, 2) putting national security threats in perspective, and 3) challenging conventional wisdom.
The first item on the list is arguably the most pressing. Ever since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1992, the United States has expanded its military reach to every corner of the globe. The dream of unchallenged U.S. primacy that foreign policy analysts proffered in the 1990s and early 2000s have turned out to be extremely expensive and shortsighted. There are approximately 800 U.S. military bases in the world today (40 in Europe alone), many of which are either duplicative or totally unnecessary for keeping the United States safe and secure. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley appears to agree with this conclusion. He told a panel in early December that the Defense Department needs to look for savings as the defense budget is likely to remain flat over the next several years. Part of the savings, according to Milley, would involve consolidating or outright shuttering permanent military facilities that were never supposed to be permanent in the first place.
Downsizing the U.S. military presence globally wouldn't just serve as a cost-cutting exercise. It would also preserve U.S. military readiness over the long term by ensuring American soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen and women aren't stretching themselves by taking on the role of the world's geopolitical firefighters—an inevitable consequence of an over-zealous, knee-jerk and reactive foreign policy.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark Milley looks on at a press conference in the briefing room at the Pentagon on March 2, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Olivier DOULIERY / AFP/Getty
Gift number two is placing the full threat picture into perspective. The hysterics surrounding all things Russia is a perfect case study in how frequently the U.S. foreign policy community succumbs to threat inflation. This trend has become starker over the past week, as U.S. intelligence officials finger Moscow for one of the most sophisticated, comprehensive hacks into U.S. government systems in history.
Don't get me wrong: the purported Russian-orchestrated cyber-intrusion into U.S. systems is a serious event that shouldn't be understated (even Tom Bossert, President Donald Trump's former homeland security adviser, acknowledged how concerning the breach was). But neither should Washington overestimate Russia's power. The media has exhibited an alarming, if not comical, tendency to portray Vladimir Putin's Russia as a more prepared and durable version of the Soviet Union. Yet zoom out of the daily news cycle, and you can see that modern-day Russia is a relatively weak nation with extreme internal vulnerabilities. The Russian economy is completely subject to the whims of the global oil market. The Kremlin faces significant demographic problems that will limit its productivity, and its financial situation is so extended at the moment that Russia's Finance Ministry is recommending a 10 percent cut in the defense budget. Russia may be a prolific hacker, but it can barely take care of its own people.
Last but not least, a foreign policy of common sense would include a willingness to buck the conventional paradigm that has dominated the Beltway for decades. Economic sanctions—a tool promoted and used on both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue with willful abandon—would be reevaluated and tied to realistic U.S. policy objectives rather than used exclusively as a form of punishment or upheld as a magic bullet to solve all of Washington's foreign policy problems. Pragmatic diplomacy with U.S. adversaries would be increasingly seen as an integral part of statecraft instead of a concession. U.S. military force would be treated as a last resort rather than a panacea. And the U.S. would restrain itself from the urge "to do something" every time a minor disaster rears its ugly head, opting instead for an unemotional analysis of the costs and benefits of intervention.
Americans will likely have to wait until the next U.S. administration—and perhaps even longer—before these holiday wishes are fulfilled. But at this point, simply starting the discussion would be better than the current reality.
Daniel DePetris is a columnist at the Washington Examiner, a contributor to the National Interest and a fellow with the Defense Priorities think tank.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-22--'My Tips for Surviving a COVID-19 Christmas With Kids'

As a child I experienced a wide range of Christmas celebrations .
From being in quintessentially English homes , nestled in the countryside with extended family and cozy fireplaces , to a single parent family meal with just my mom and the dog .
So , I never really felt I had many traditions or clear criteria for how Christmas should be .
That all changed when my daughter turned two and was able to embrace the magic .
The creation of Christmas traditions in our home began as a negotiation between an American mom who loved the holidays and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to apply the right balance of parent and child psychologist .
We now have a second child , and I think it is safe to say that the negotiations are ongoing .
Christmas as a parent seems like a battle between creating magic and managing expectations .
I will never forget my daughter pushing her way downstairs to be the first to get to the presents under the tree .
I remember getting extremely cross , only to realize that her uncontrollable excitement was all about finally being able to give her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bought us at the Christmas fair .
I felt like an awful parent , and a psychologist who had forgotten all his training .
I was so worried about what `` should '' happen I completely missed my own child showing me the true meaning of Christmas .
The point is parenting is hard every day of the year , but it 's rare that any other holiday can intensify this as much as Christmas .
As a clinical psychologist specializing in children and family work , I have seen how Christmas can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely traumatic one .
This is clearly evidenced in 2020 where families are faced with restrictions that may severely impact Christmas and what the family celebration will look like this year .
Many people have talked to me about COVID-19 feeling like a get out of jail free card ; allowing families to avoid the stress of visiting relatives and the annual tension and arguments that always arise .
While others feel trapped in families that are struggling to function , due to COVID-19 related financial difficulties or the limited opportunities to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career I have never been under any illusion that I am able to `` fix '' a potentially traumatic or stressful holiday season , but there are a few tips that I suggest to families every year .
In `` the year of COVID-19 '' perhaps families may find them more useful than ever ... 1 .
Do n't lose sight of what is important : Over the years I have asked several people about their favourite childhood Christmas memories .
Some shared their family traditions , or how it was the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and others simply described the taste of their grandmother 's roast potatoes .
Interestingly , not one person made any reference to gifts or presents .
This is something I always try to remind parents at this time of year .
I am always stressing the importance of finding the time to enjoy your children , and for your children to enjoy you .
So much of the year is about work deadlines and school timetables , and in the year of COVID-19 much of this has all taken place in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been to simply take Christmas , whether you are in lockdown or not , as an opportunity to try and take the day to reconnect with your home and the people in it .
2 .
Parent self-care is key : As a father and a child psychologist I am aware that most parents are on a daily mission to provide the best possible life for their children .
But I see so many parents who do this to such an extent that their mental and physical health are significantly impacted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their interaction with their family .
Add to this the stress many of us have faced this year with the pandemic , and striving to create the most magical Christmas for our kids has the potential to push us to the brink .
I will always remember a 14-year-old girl in therapy telling me how she dreaded the holidays .
She described how the beautifully decorated house , multiple presents under the tree , and great selection of food , came at a cost .
Her mother would be completely consumed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect '' .
The impact of this was that the rest of the family would become anxious in their attempts to `` keep Mom happy . ''
Experience has taught me that kids are always sensitive to their parents ' attitudes and mood .
Learning how to recognize , manage , and reduce your stress could be good for both you and your children this Christmas .
The first step might just be to acknowledge that you 're finding the time , or the whole year , difficult and discuss this with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maintain a reasonable amount of normal routine : Although in 2020 many families will be giving the kids the run of a COVID-secure house rather than travelling to visit extended family , change and excitement is often overwhelming for children at Christmas .
I have worked with families that have taken the whole of January to reinstate their regular bedtime routine , following a relaxing of the rules during the holidays , and I have had children in therapy talking about being stressed from a lack of down time due to non-stop Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I regularly talk to parents about the importance of routine and how it provides children with clear boundaries , expectations , and consistency .
I describe how it is n't just about learning rules , it provides a predictability and familiarity that helps them feel safe , which can be particularly important in what has been an already chaotic year for many with the pandemic .
This does n't mean that your Christmas holiday must maintain the rigidity of a school week , but I always advise maintaining `` anchor points '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and doing some of the normal things you do throughout the year .
4 .
Communicate and plan together : As a parent my children constantly remind me that if I do not provide clear details , they will make up their own minds about what is going to happen , and they will have a significant tantrum if things do n't go their way .
I will never forget the impact of not informing my children that once they had opened their presents there would be little time to play with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door for the next stage of Christmas day .
Tears , sulking and general frustration all round .
I now advise many of the families I work with to make Christmas planning a shared activity .
It allows parents to manage expectations and provides children with the emotional safety that comes with structure and understanding .
In a year where uncertainty and stress have reigned , uniting to plan the day—even if it looks a bit different to a `` normal '' Christmas—may help you connect and find some peace at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has forced us all to reassess how we manage Christmas .
My advice is not to become overwhelmed .
Sit down as a family , share your thoughts with one another and aim to agree on a plan for what you need to do together to survive the holidays this year .
Dr Oliver Sindall is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist , and Professional Lead for a London based Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service ( CAMHS ) .
He has been Chair of the London Youth Justice CAMHS Forum and a committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Faculty for Children , Young People and Families .
For more information visit www.sindallpsychology.com .
All views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

As a child I experienced a wide range of Christmas celebrations. From being in quintessentially English homes, nestled in the countryside with extended family and cozy fireplaces, to a single parent family meal with just my mom and the dog.
So, I never really felt I had many traditions or clear criteria for how Christmas should be. That all changed when my daughter turned two and was able to embrace the magic. The creation of Christmas traditions in our home began as a negotiation between an American mom who loved the holidays and an English dad who was once again trying to apply the right balance of parent and child psychologist. We now have a second child, and I think it is safe to say that the negotiations are ongoing.
Christmas as a parent seems like a battle between creating magic and managing expectations. I will never forget my daughter pushing her way downstairs to be the first to get to the presents under the tree. I remember getting extremely cross, only to realize that her uncontrollable excitement was all about finally being able to give her mommy and daddy the gifts she had bought us at the Christmas fair. I felt like an awful parent, and a psychologist who had forgotten all his training. I was so worried about what "should" happen I completely missed my own child showing me the true meaning of Christmas.
The point is parenting is hard every day of the year, but it's rare that any other holiday can intensify this as much as Christmas. As a clinical psychologist specializing in children and family work, I have seen how Christmas can range from a magical experience to an extremely traumatic one. This is clearly evidenced in 2020 where families are faced with restrictions that may severely impact Christmas and what the family celebration will look like this year.
Many people have talked to me about COVID-19 feeling like a get out of jail free card; allowing families to avoid the stress of visiting relatives and the annual tension and arguments that always arise. While others feel trapped in families that are struggling to function, due to COVID-19 related financial difficulties or the limited opportunities to "escape" for respite.
Throughout my career I have never been under any illusion that I am able to "fix" a potentially traumatic or stressful holiday season, but there are a few tips that I suggest to families every year. In "the year of COVID-19" perhaps families may find them more useful than ever...
1. Don't lose sight of what is important: Over the years I have asked several people about their favourite childhood Christmas memories. Some shared their family traditions, or how it was the only time their extended family were all together, and others simply described the taste of their grandmother's roast potatoes. Interestingly, not one person made any reference to gifts or presents. This is something I always try to remind parents at this time of year.
I am always stressing the importance of finding the time to enjoy your children, and for your children to enjoy you. So much of the year is about work deadlines and school timetables, and in the year of COVID-19 much of this has all taken place in the same house. My advice to parents has been to simply take Christmas, whether you are in lockdown or not, as an opportunity to try and take the day to reconnect with your home and the people in it.
2. Parent self-care is key: As a father and a child psychologist I am aware that most parents are on a daily mission to provide the best possible life for their children. But I see so many parents who do this to such an extent that their mental and physical health are significantly impacted, and, as result, so is their interaction with their family. Add to this the stress many of us have faced this year with the pandemic, and striving to create the most magical Christmas for our kids has the potential to push us to the brink.
I will always remember a 14-year-old girl in therapy telling me how she dreaded the holidays. She described how the beautifully decorated house, multiple presents under the tree, and great selection of food, came at a cost. Her mother would be completely consumed with the anxiety and stress of "getting everything perfect". The impact of this was that the rest of the family would become anxious in their attempts to "keep Mom happy."
Experience has taught me that kids are always sensitive to their parents' attitudes and mood. Learning how to recognize, manage, and reduce your stress could be good for both you and your children this Christmas. The first step might just be to acknowledge that you're finding the time, or the whole year, difficult and discuss this with a family member or friend.
Stock image of children at Christmas. Getty/iStock
3. Maintain a reasonable amount of normal routine: Although in 2020 many families will be giving the kids the run of a COVID-secure house rather than travelling to visit extended family, change and excitement is often overwhelming for children at Christmas. I have worked with families that have taken the whole of January to reinstate their regular bedtime routine, following a relaxing of the rules during the holidays, and I have had children in therapy talking about being stressed from a lack of down time due to non-stop Christmas activity.
In terms of child development, I regularly talk to parents about the importance of routine and how it provides children with clear boundaries, expectations, and consistency. I describe how it isn't just about learning rules, it provides a predictability and familiarity that helps them feel safe, which can be particularly important in what has been an already chaotic year for many with the pandemic.
This doesn't mean that your Christmas holiday must maintain the rigidity of a school week, but I always advise maintaining "anchor points", such as keeping to bedtime routine, and doing some of the normal things you do throughout the year.
4. Communicate and plan together: As a parent my children constantly remind me that if I do not provide clear details, they will make up their own minds about what is going to happen, and they will have a significant tantrum if things don't go their way. I will never forget the impact of not informing my children that once they had opened their presents there would be little time to play with them before needing to be out the door for the next stage of Christmas day. Tears, sulking and general frustration all round.
I now advise many of the families I work with to make Christmas planning a shared activity. It allows parents to manage expectations and provides children with the emotional safety that comes with structure and understanding.
In a year where uncertainty and stress have reigned, uniting to plan the day—even if it looks a bit different to a "normal" Christmas—may help you connect and find some peace at the end of a tumultuous 12 months.
COVID-19 has forced us all to reassess how we manage Christmas. My advice is not to become overwhelmed. Sit down as a family, share your thoughts with one another and aim to agree on a plan for what you need to do together to survive the holidays this year.
Dr Oliver Sindall is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, and Professional Lead for a London based Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). He has been Chair of the London Youth Justice CAMHS Forum and a committee member of the British Psychological Society's Faculty for Children, Young People and Families. For more information visit www.sindallpsychology.com.
All views expressed in this article are the author's own.