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Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Socialists Organizing Teachers to Turn Purple States Blue by 2020
A well-funded and subversive leftist movement of teachers in the United States threatens to tilt the political balance nationwide in the direction of Democrats across the country as Republicans barely hang on in key states that they need to hold for President Donald Trump to win re-election and for Republicans to have a shot at retaking the House and holding onto their Senate majority.
This teachers union effort, called #RedforEd, has its roots in the very same socialism that President Trump vowed in his 2019 State of the Union address to stop, and it began in its current form in early 2018 in a far-flung corner of the country before spreading nationally. Its stated goals–higher teacher pay and better education conditions–are overshadowed by a more malevolent political agenda: a leftist Democrat uprising designed to flip purple or red states to blue, using the might of a significant part of the education system as its lever.
The movement takes its name from a political organizing tool first seen in Florida in 2010, when teachers union members wore red to express political opposition to public school reform proposals under consideration at that time in the state and encouraged parents and political activists from other unions to join them.
More here
This teachers union effort, called #RedforEd, has its roots in the very same socialism that President Trump vowed in his 2019 State of the Union address to stop, and it began in its current form in early 2018 in a far-flung corner of the country before spreading nationally. Its stated goals–higher teacher pay and better education conditions–are overshadowed by a more malevolent political agenda: a leftist Democrat uprising designed to flip purple or red states to blue, using the might of a significant part of the education system as its lever.
The movement takes its name from a political organizing tool first seen in Florida in 2010, when teachers union members wore red to express political opposition to public school reform proposals under consideration at that time in the state and encouraged parents and political activists from other unions to join them.
More here
Ilhan Omar to Keynote CAIR Fundraiser
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) will be the keynote speaker at a fundraiser for the Los Angeles branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on March 23.
As Breitbart news has noted:
"In 2007-08, CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the terror financing trial of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development. That case, in turn, led the FBI to discontinue its work with the organization. In 2009, a federal judge ruled that the government “produced ample evidence to establish” the ties of CAIR with Hamas, the Palestinian terror organization. The United Arab Emirates labeled CAIR a terrorist organization in 2014 (a decision that the Obama administration opposed)."
The political action committee of CAIR in California donated the maximum of $5,000 to Omar’s 2018 campaign.
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As Breitbart news has noted:
"In 2007-08, CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the terror financing trial of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development. That case, in turn, led the FBI to discontinue its work with the organization. In 2009, a federal judge ruled that the government “produced ample evidence to establish” the ties of CAIR with Hamas, the Palestinian terror organization. The United Arab Emirates labeled CAIR a terrorist organization in 2014 (a decision that the Obama administration opposed)."
The political action committee of CAIR in California donated the maximum of $5,000 to Omar’s 2018 campaign.
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Brothers Make New Bombshell Allegation Against Jussie Smollett
Federal law enforcement officials are investigating a new allegation made by the two brothers in the Jussie Smollett case that Smollett was involved in sending a hate letter to himself a week prior to the alleged attack.
"The FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service are currently investigating whether Jussie Smollett played a role in sending a threatening letter addressed to him at 'Empire’s' Chicago studio prior to the alleged attack," ABC News reported, after confirming with two federal officials. "The accusation, made by the two brothers who were persons of interest, has not been confirmed."
On Monday, CBS News reported that the attack on Smollett was allegedly concocted because Smollett was upset that the incident involving the letter did not get a "bigger reaction."
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"The FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service are currently investigating whether Jussie Smollett played a role in sending a threatening letter addressed to him at 'Empire’s' Chicago studio prior to the alleged attack," ABC News reported, after confirming with two federal officials. "The accusation, made by the two brothers who were persons of interest, has not been confirmed."
On Monday, CBS News reported that the attack on Smollett was allegedly concocted because Smollett was upset that the incident involving the letter did not get a "bigger reaction."
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Who’s Behind the Green New Deal?
Some of the organizations helping to promote the Green New Deal have ties to financing from billionaire George Soros and trace their roots to such radical groups as Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter.
Earlier this month, Ocasio-Cortez posted an 11-page Google document in the form of a nonbinding legislative resolution that has become the most authoritative version of the Green New Deal, a broad outline for the current conception of the socialist-style plan.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal resolution, introduced along with Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), has already been endorsed by more than 45 Democrat representatives. The deal received high-profile endorsements from Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders.
The Green New Deal seeks, as the New Yorker recently put it, “nothing less than a total overhaul of our national infrastructure.”
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Nolte: Jussie Smollett Media Hoax Is a Hate Crime Against Trump Supporters
There is simply no question the media hoax perpetrated by Jussie Smollett is a hate crime committed against supporters of President Donald Trump.
A “hate crime” is defined as a bias crime, a crime committed against others based on who they are, or what they look like, or what group they hail from.
Filing a false police report is a crime, one that Smollett is almost certainly guilty of and might be charged with. The hate-bias part is even easier to prove. And Smollett is not the only one guilty of this. So too are his co-conspirators in the establishment media.
According to various reports, this was a meticulously planned hoax. Smollett, who is black and gay, hired to two men (who are also black) to disguise themselves as Trump supporters and beat him up on the street.
The detailed planning involved the apparent purchase of bleach, rope, red baseball caps, face masks, rehearsals, and the staging of the fake crime near a surveillance camera (that was thankfully pointing the wrong way).
The police were lied to, told about the red hats (that look like the president’s iconic MAGA hats), told the perpetrators targeted Smollett personally, told they hurled racial and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on Smollett’s black skin, wrapped a noose around his neck, and warned that “This is MAGA country!”
Obviously, the whole idea was to use this hoax as a means to single out Trump supporters, to frame, defame, smear, and denigrate a group of people — to commit a crime against them, if not a crime-crime, then a public relations crime that we would all be forced to answer for.
More here
A “hate crime” is defined as a bias crime, a crime committed against others based on who they are, or what they look like, or what group they hail from.
Filing a false police report is a crime, one that Smollett is almost certainly guilty of and might be charged with. The hate-bias part is even easier to prove. And Smollett is not the only one guilty of this. So too are his co-conspirators in the establishment media.
According to various reports, this was a meticulously planned hoax. Smollett, who is black and gay, hired to two men (who are also black) to disguise themselves as Trump supporters and beat him up on the street.
The detailed planning involved the apparent purchase of bleach, rope, red baseball caps, face masks, rehearsals, and the staging of the fake crime near a surveillance camera (that was thankfully pointing the wrong way).
The police were lied to, told about the red hats (that look like the president’s iconic MAGA hats), told the perpetrators targeted Smollett personally, told they hurled racial and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on Smollett’s black skin, wrapped a noose around his neck, and warned that “This is MAGA country!”
Obviously, the whole idea was to use this hoax as a means to single out Trump supporters, to frame, defame, smear, and denigrate a group of people — to commit a crime against them, if not a crime-crime, then a public relations crime that we would all be forced to answer for.
More here
#RedforEd Campaign Continues with Oakland Teachers’ Strike Thursday
“Red for Ed,” a nationwide campaign of teachers’ strikes, will continue this Thursday in Oakland, California, as the Oakland Education Association (OEA) plans to strike against the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD).
Bay Area public radio station KQED reported Saturday: “Teachers are asking for better pay, smaller class sizes and more resources for classrooms and student programs. They have been working without a contract since July 2017, and the union has been unable to reach an agreement with the district despite prolonged negotiations.”
Oakland teachers are among the lowest-paid in the Bay Area, according to edsource.org.
On Friday, a state-appointed neutral fact-finder released a set of recommendations to resolve the disagreement between the district and the teachers. The fact-finder recommended pay increases of three percent each year for two years and new negotiations for another increase in the third year, KQED reported.
The district had offered five percent over three years, and the OEA had demanded a 12 percent increase over three years. In addition, the fact-finder recommended cutting class sizes by an average of one student by 2021; teachers wanted bigger decreases, along with new support staff.
The OEA rejected the fact-finder’s recommendations, KQED reported.
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[Related: #RedforEd: Socialists Organizing Teachers to Turn Purple States Blue by 2020]
Bay Area public radio station KQED reported Saturday: “Teachers are asking for better pay, smaller class sizes and more resources for classrooms and student programs. They have been working without a contract since July 2017, and the union has been unable to reach an agreement with the district despite prolonged negotiations.”
Oakland teachers are among the lowest-paid in the Bay Area, according to edsource.org.
On Friday, a state-appointed neutral fact-finder released a set of recommendations to resolve the disagreement between the district and the teachers. The fact-finder recommended pay increases of three percent each year for two years and new negotiations for another increase in the third year, KQED reported.
The district had offered five percent over three years, and the OEA had demanded a 12 percent increase over three years. In addition, the fact-finder recommended cutting class sizes by an average of one student by 2021; teachers wanted bigger decreases, along with new support staff.
The OEA rejected the fact-finder’s recommendations, KQED reported.
More
[Related: #RedforEd: Socialists Organizing Teachers to Turn Purple States Blue by 2020]
Indiana Tax Preparer Refuses to Do Married Lesbians' Taxes
A tax preparer is defending herself from an onslaught of attacks after she refused to do a married lesbian couple's taxes in Indiana because they planned to file their return jointly.
Bailey and Samantha Brazzel spoke with NBC affiliate WTHR in Russiaville, Indiana and said the woman who has done their taxes in the past would not handle their 2018 return after the pair got married last summer.
"We went in and sat down like we always would and [tax preparer Nancy Fivecoate] said, 'How are you filing this year?' and I said 'married joint,' and that's when it went downhill," Bailey Brazzel said.
Fivecoate, who owns a tax preparation business in the town of roughly 1,100 that is just over an hour north of Indianapolis, said she turned away the couple because they were married. She is now facing fierce criticism online.
"I have prepared [Bailey Brazzel's] taxes for several years," Fivecoate said in a lengthy statement shared with NBC. "This year she came in with her wife, and I declined to prepare the taxes because of my religious beliefs.
"I am a Christian and I believe marriage is between one man and one woman. I was very respectful to them. I told them where I thought she might be able to get her taxes prepared."
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Bailey and Samantha Brazzel spoke with NBC affiliate WTHR in Russiaville, Indiana and said the woman who has done their taxes in the past would not handle their 2018 return after the pair got married last summer.
"We went in and sat down like we always would and [tax preparer Nancy Fivecoate] said, 'How are you filing this year?' and I said 'married joint,' and that's when it went downhill," Bailey Brazzel said.
Fivecoate, who owns a tax preparation business in the town of roughly 1,100 that is just over an hour north of Indianapolis, said she turned away the couple because they were married. She is now facing fierce criticism online.
"I have prepared [Bailey Brazzel's] taxes for several years," Fivecoate said in a lengthy statement shared with NBC. "This year she came in with her wife, and I declined to prepare the taxes because of my religious beliefs.
"I am a Christian and I believe marriage is between one man and one woman. I was very respectful to them. I told them where I thought she might be able to get her taxes prepared."
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China Abandons Cybersecurity Truce With US, Report Says
China largely abandoned a hacking truce negotiated by Barack Obama as President Donald Trump embarked on a trade war with Beijing last year, according to the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike Inc.
A slowdown in Chinese hacking following the cybersecurity agreement Obama’s administration secured in 2015 appears to have been reversed, the firm said in a report released Tuesday that reviewed cyber activity by U.S. adversaries in 2018.
“By 2017 they started coming back and throughout 2018 they were back in full force,” said Adam Meyers, vice president of intelligence at Crowdstrike. “They have been very active and we expect to see that continue.”
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A slowdown in Chinese hacking following the cybersecurity agreement Obama’s administration secured in 2015 appears to have been reversed, the firm said in a report released Tuesday that reviewed cyber activity by U.S. adversaries in 2018.
“By 2017 they started coming back and throughout 2018 they were back in full force,” said Adam Meyers, vice president of intelligence at Crowdstrike. “They have been very active and we expect to see that continue.”
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Trump Cancels $929M in California High-Speed Rail Funds
The U.S. Transportation Department said on Tuesday it will cancel $929 million in federal grant funds awarded by the Obama administration for a California high-speed rail project and is "actively exploring every legal option" to seek the return of $2.5 billion the state has already received.
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Smollett Pleaded No Contest In 2007 To Providing False Information To Law Enforcement
Empire actor Jussie Smollett pleaded no contest in 2007 to providing false information to law enforcement in connection with a DUI, according to NBC News 10, which confirmed the incident with the Los Angeles City Attorney.
Smollett was sentenced to two years probation and a choice of a fine or jail in the 2007 case.
News of Smollett's 2007 false report comes as the Empire star faces potential charges for filing another false police report surrounding a January 29 "hate crime" that two acquaintances claim he paid them to rehearse and then stage.
The two men, Nigerian-born brothers - Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundario, one of whom is Smollett's personal trainer and was an extra on Empire, met with police and prosecutors at the local courthouse and are cooperating in the case.
Earlier Tuesday we reported that the FBI crime lab and US Postal Inspectors are investigating whether Smollett was involved in creating a threatening letter addressed to him at Empire's Chicago studio prior to the alleged attack.
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Smollett was sentenced to two years probation and a choice of a fine or jail in the 2007 case.
News of Smollett's 2007 false report comes as the Empire star faces potential charges for filing another false police report surrounding a January 29 "hate crime" that two acquaintances claim he paid them to rehearse and then stage.
The two men, Nigerian-born brothers - Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundario, one of whom is Smollett's personal trainer and was an extra on Empire, met with police and prosecutors at the local courthouse and are cooperating in the case.
Earlier Tuesday we reported that the FBI crime lab and US Postal Inspectors are investigating whether Smollett was involved in creating a threatening letter addressed to him at Empire's Chicago studio prior to the alleged attack.
More
JUSSIE SMOLLETT BROTHERS ON CAM BUYING SKI MASKS
The video -- first posted by CBS2 in Chicago -- shows Ola and Abel Osundairo at the checkout counter as they pile up the items, which include ski masks, gloves, bandanas, sunglasses and red hats.
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BREAKING: Jussie Smollett Is Now A Suspect In A Criminal Investigation For Filing A False Police Report
CHICAGO (CBS) — Empire actor Jussie Smollett is now officially classified as a suspect in a criminal investigation for filing a false police report, according to Chicago police.
Filing a false false police report is a Class 4 Felony.
Detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury, police say.
CBS 2 obtained exclusive video of two men linked to the attack on “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett buying a red hat and ski masks from a store the day before the assault.
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Filing a false false police report is a Class 4 Felony.
Detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury, police say.
CBS 2 obtained exclusive video of two men linked to the attack on “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett buying a red hat and ski masks from a store the day before the assault.
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The new Democratic Party, where antifa writes the financial regulations
How far left has the Democratic Party shifted? Here's one answer: A violent antifa leader, recently charged with assaulting two Marines on the street in Philadelphia, had been working with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Democratic members of Congress to implement regulations on consumers and small businesses.
On Nov. 17, two U.S. Marines were attacked in Philadelphia by a group of antifa activists. One of those recently charged in the attack with aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation, and terroristic threats was Joseph Alcoff. Alcoff also ran Smash Racism D.C., the organization that laid siege to the home of Tucker Carlson and chased Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and his wife out of a restaurant where they were dining.
On social media, Alcoff, using an alias, has called for the overthrow of capitalism and the institution of communism in the United States.
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On Nov. 17, two U.S. Marines were attacked in Philadelphia by a group of antifa activists. One of those recently charged in the attack with aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation, and terroristic threats was Joseph Alcoff. Alcoff also ran Smash Racism D.C., the organization that laid siege to the home of Tucker Carlson and chased Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and his wife out of a restaurant where they were dining.
On social media, Alcoff, using an alias, has called for the overthrow of capitalism and the institution of communism in the United States.
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Va. House Democrats, GOP speaker at odds over who should lead in investigating Fairfax allegations
The Democratic caucus in the Virginia House of Delegates said Tuesday that the sexual assault allegations against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax should be investigated by law enforcement without the General Assembly’s involvement.
“We believe that the law enforcement investigation should proceed unencumbered and outside of the political arena,” the caucus said in a statement.
A few hours later, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, said the prospect of having legislative hearings is “becoming more compelling” and “should be seriously considered.”
“We are actively working to develop that process and hope our Democrat colleagues will work with us moving forward,” Cox said.
Though both parties said they’re committed to finding a bipartisan way forward, the two statements indicate a clear difference of opinion on who should take the lead in investigating the allegations.
On Monday, The Washington Post published an op-ed from Meredith Watson, one of the two Fairfax accusers, who has called for the General Assembly to hold public hearings at which Fairfax and his accusers could testify. Watson criticized the legislature for “inaction” in response to her allegation and suggested a law enforcement investigation could invite attacks on her character and end with “inconclusive results.”
Watson’s lawyer blasted the Democrats’ stance in a new statement Tuesday evening.
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“We believe that the law enforcement investigation should proceed unencumbered and outside of the political arena,” the caucus said in a statement.
A few hours later, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, said the prospect of having legislative hearings is “becoming more compelling” and “should be seriously considered.”
“We are actively working to develop that process and hope our Democrat colleagues will work with us moving forward,” Cox said.
Though both parties said they’re committed to finding a bipartisan way forward, the two statements indicate a clear difference of opinion on who should take the lead in investigating the allegations.
On Monday, The Washington Post published an op-ed from Meredith Watson, one of the two Fairfax accusers, who has called for the General Assembly to hold public hearings at which Fairfax and his accusers could testify. Watson criticized the legislature for “inaction” in response to her allegation and suggested a law enforcement investigation could invite attacks on her character and end with “inconclusive results.”
Watson’s lawyer blasted the Democrats’ stance in a new statement Tuesday evening.
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How to Lower Your Odds of Getting Food Poisoning
Following the recipe for food safety is a must anytime you're in the kitchen, and it starts with clean hands, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says.
"Always wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food," spokeswoman Isabel Maples advised in an academy news release. "Don't forget to wash your hands after handling raw meat and poultry to avoid spreading germs through the juices."
Wash fruits and vegetables, but don't wash meat and poultry before cooking. Doing so could spread harmful bacteria to your sink and surrounding kitchen areas, she explained.
"Clean your counter tops with hot, soapy water. Use paper towels or disinfectant wipes, instead of washcloths or sponges, which can harbor bacteria," Maples said.
Take apart small appliances -- such as can openers and blenders -- to clean them, then air dry completely before storing, she recommended.
"Clean your refrigerator every few weeks to rid it of potentially dangerous residue from raw foods. Rid your refrigerator of leftovers after four days. When in doubt, throw it out," Maples said.
More here
"Always wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food," spokeswoman Isabel Maples advised in an academy news release. "Don't forget to wash your hands after handling raw meat and poultry to avoid spreading germs through the juices."
Wash fruits and vegetables, but don't wash meat and poultry before cooking. Doing so could spread harmful bacteria to your sink and surrounding kitchen areas, she explained.
"Clean your counter tops with hot, soapy water. Use paper towels or disinfectant wipes, instead of washcloths or sponges, which can harbor bacteria," Maples said.
Take apart small appliances -- such as can openers and blenders -- to clean them, then air dry completely before storing, she recommended.
"Clean your refrigerator every few weeks to rid it of potentially dangerous residue from raw foods. Rid your refrigerator of leftovers after four days. When in doubt, throw it out," Maples said.
More here
Report: 19 Minutes to React After a Russian Hack
Victims of Russian state-sponsored hacking have just 19 minutes to react before the initial intrusion moves on to wider access, theft, and destruction, a startling report from cyber security firm CrowdStrike reported.
In comparison, the second-fastest groups were North Koreans, who needed an average of two hours to jump from the first compromised computer to the second; Chinese groups needed an average of four hours, Defense One reported.
"Breakout time" refers to the amount of time it takes the attacker to jump between network nodes once on the network, and also "shows how much time defenders have on average to detect an initial intrusion, investigate it and eject the attacker from the network, before sensitive data can be stolen or destroyed," CrowdStrike analysts wrote in a 2018 post.
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In comparison, the second-fastest groups were North Koreans, who needed an average of two hours to jump from the first compromised computer to the second; Chinese groups needed an average of four hours, Defense One reported.
"Breakout time" refers to the amount of time it takes the attacker to jump between network nodes once on the network, and also "shows how much time defenders have on average to detect an initial intrusion, investigate it and eject the attacker from the network, before sensitive data can be stolen or destroyed," CrowdStrike analysts wrote in a 2018 post.
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White House Releases Powerful Video Of Trump Standing For Venezuelan People
The video showed the president saying, “The people of Venezuela stand at the threshold of history; ready to reclaim their country and ready to reclaim their future. The people of Venezuela are standing for freedom and democracy, and the United States of America is standing right by their side. Socialism promises a better future, but it always returns to the darkest chapters of the past. So today I ask every member of the Maduro regime: ‘Set your country free!’”
Trump continued, “Now is the time for all Venezuelan patriots to act together as one united people. We know what freedom can do in Venezuela because we have seen that future right here: We are born free, and we will stay free now and forever.”
More/video link here
Federal grand jury reportedly already convened, issued multiple subpoenas on Jussie Smollett fake mail threat
If the remarkable grassroots journalists at CWBChicago are correct (as they have been all along), Jussie Smollett has a lot more to worry about than the state rap of a class four felony of making a false police report. If he was indeed responsible for the sending of a letter to the Fox Chicago studios where Empire is produced, he has triggered federal charges that carry hard time. Importantly, the feds don't parole early to relieve overcrowded prisons the way the Great State of Illinois does.
You see, using the mail to make a threat that can be seen as a terroristic threat — even to oneself — is no small deal to Uncle Sam. And (don't laugh!) it brings in the most underrated federal law enforcement agency of all: the Postal Inspectors.
Most people don't realize what a fearsome agency this is.
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You see, using the mail to make a threat that can be seen as a terroristic threat — even to oneself — is no small deal to Uncle Sam. And (don't laugh!) it brings in the most underrated federal law enforcement agency of all: the Postal Inspectors.
Most people don't realize what a fearsome agency this is.
More
Hate-crime hoaxers beware, the law does not bow to your intersectional caste system
If the latest apparent hate-crime hoax of the the Trump era is what it looks like, it isn't merely a story of a desperate actor doing something insane. It's a story of today's progressive identity politics and how it elevates group victimhood to the highest of virtues.
In the early morning of Jan. 29, actor Jussie Smollett of the Fox series “Empire” claimed that he was ambushed outside a restaurant in Chicago. According to the police, Smollett claimed “two unknown offenders approached him and gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him. The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim. At some point during the incident, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck.”
Smollett also said that his attackers knew who he was. He later confirmed accounts that his attackers had identified him personally and shouted, “This is MAGA Country," a reference to President Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
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In the early morning of Jan. 29, actor Jussie Smollett of the Fox series “Empire” claimed that he was ambushed outside a restaurant in Chicago. According to the police, Smollett claimed “two unknown offenders approached him and gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him. The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim. At some point during the incident, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck.”
Smollett also said that his attackers knew who he was. He later confirmed accounts that his attackers had identified him personally and shouted, “This is MAGA Country," a reference to President Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
More
Covington Catholic High School teen suing Washington Post for $250 million
Covington Catholic High School student Nicholas Sandmann is defending his character once again.
In a new lawsuit, filed in Kentucky, he accuses the Washington Post of engaging in a “modern-day form of McCarthyism.”
“My position was that I was not disrespectful to Mr. Phillips,” Sandmann said in an interview with the "Today Show" in January.
A video, featuring Sandmann, went viral last month when he stood in front of Native American elder Nathan Phillips.
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In a new lawsuit, filed in Kentucky, he accuses the Washington Post of engaging in a “modern-day form of McCarthyism.”
“My position was that I was not disrespectful to Mr. Phillips,” Sandmann said in an interview with the "Today Show" in January.
A video, featuring Sandmann, went viral last month when he stood in front of Native American elder Nathan Phillips.
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'Never Trump' leader says final blow to movement may be far-left move by Democrats
A Republican political strategist said that the Democrats demise in 2020 will be caused by the progressive faction of the party.
“Democrats seem to have responded to the election of Mr. Trump not by pushing forward sensible, moderate candidates who understand the fundamentals of government and policy but rather far-left legislators in Congress and policy like the late-term-abortion laws in Virginia and New York,” Liz Mair wrote in a New York Times opinion article.
She specifically mentioned that recently elected Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., helped push the party further left and from party line-skirters.
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“Democrats seem to have responded to the election of Mr. Trump not by pushing forward sensible, moderate candidates who understand the fundamentals of government and policy but rather far-left legislators in Congress and policy like the late-term-abortion laws in Virginia and New York,” Liz Mair wrote in a New York Times opinion article.
She specifically mentioned that recently elected Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., helped push the party further left and from party line-skirters.
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Watchdog Sues for DOJ Records on Removing Trump
The conservative watchdog Judicial Watch sued the Department of Justice on Tuesday to obtain records related to officials who considered trying to remove President Donald Trump from office.
Judicial Watch, a prominent conservative watchdog, filed the lawsuit after the department failed to respond to earlier information requests.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests came in response to news that officials discussed invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.
Former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe sparked the issue during a recent interview with “60 Minutes.” He confirmed during the interview that he had opened a counterintelligence investigation into whether the president was compromised by Russia.
He and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein also discussed removing the president from office.
“It is no surprise that we are facing an immense cover-up of senior FBI and DOJ leadership discussions to pursue a seditious coup against President Trump,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
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Judicial Watch, a prominent conservative watchdog, filed the lawsuit after the department failed to respond to earlier information requests.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests came in response to news that officials discussed invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.
Former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe sparked the issue during a recent interview with “60 Minutes.” He confirmed during the interview that he had opened a counterintelligence investigation into whether the president was compromised by Russia.
He and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein also discussed removing the president from office.
“It is no surprise that we are facing an immense cover-up of senior FBI and DOJ leadership discussions to pursue a seditious coup against President Trump,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
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Harris Freezes When Asked About Calling Smollett Incident a 'Modern-Day Lynching'
(Updated) 'I think the facts are unfolding'
Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) froze and awkwardly looked around when pressed Monday on her tweet that the alleged attack on Jussie Smollett was a "modern-day lynching," before saying she needed to see all the facts.
Smollet, a gay, black actor, claimed he was the victim of a hate crime in January, saying two men beat him up in a Chicago street, poured bleach on him and placed a rope around his neck. He also said they yelled, "This is MAGA country," a reference to President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan. The story has taken a turn, with police now reportedly investigating whether Smollett orchestrated the attack himself by paying two Nigerian brothers to do it.
Democratic politicians were quick to believe Smollett's account at the time and tweet out their condemnations, including Harris and other 2020 presidential candidates. She praised the actor as "one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know" and said "this was an attempted modern day lynching."
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Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) froze and awkwardly looked around when pressed Monday on her tweet that the alleged attack on Jussie Smollett was a "modern-day lynching," before saying she needed to see all the facts.
Smollet, a gay, black actor, claimed he was the victim of a hate crime in January, saying two men beat him up in a Chicago street, poured bleach on him and placed a rope around his neck. He also said they yelled, "This is MAGA country," a reference to President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan. The story has taken a turn, with police now reportedly investigating whether Smollett orchestrated the attack himself by paying two Nigerian brothers to do it.
Democratic politicians were quick to believe Smollett's account at the time and tweet out their condemnations, including Harris and other 2020 presidential candidates. She praised the actor as "one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know" and said "this was an attempted modern day lynching."
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The demented FBI bid to oust Trump
It’s too early to take away any clear lessons from the Trump era, except one: Whatever you do, never fire the FBI director.
Yes, as president, it is fully within your power to cashier inferior executive branch officers. But if the aftermath of the James Comey firing is any indication, it risks backlash from FBI and Justice Department officials who will take umbrage — and extraordinary steps in response.
This is the upshot of the “60 Minutes” interview with former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. The Comey firing was ham-fisted and unsettling, given the ongoing investigation of Russian interference into the 2016 election. But what ensued was an embarrassing freak-out by law enforcement officials entrusted with awesome powers.
According to McCabe, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein brought up invoking the 25th Amendment.
It is worth considering how this Rube Goldberg amendment is supposed to work: The vice president takes power if he and a majority of the cabinet declare in writing to the Senate and the House that the president is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”
Then the president can contest the declaration, also in writing to the Senate and the House. If the veep and a majority of the cabinet still say he can’t serve, Congress has 21 days to vote on the question. If two-thirds of both chambers say he can’t, the vice president remains acting president.
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Yes, as president, it is fully within your power to cashier inferior executive branch officers. But if the aftermath of the James Comey firing is any indication, it risks backlash from FBI and Justice Department officials who will take umbrage — and extraordinary steps in response.
This is the upshot of the “60 Minutes” interview with former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. The Comey firing was ham-fisted and unsettling, given the ongoing investigation of Russian interference into the 2016 election. But what ensued was an embarrassing freak-out by law enforcement officials entrusted with awesome powers.
According to McCabe, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein brought up invoking the 25th Amendment.
It is worth considering how this Rube Goldberg amendment is supposed to work: The vice president takes power if he and a majority of the cabinet declare in writing to the Senate and the House that the president is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”
Then the president can contest the declaration, also in writing to the Senate and the House. If the veep and a majority of the cabinet still say he can’t serve, Congress has 21 days to vote on the question. If two-thirds of both chambers say he can’t, the vice president remains acting president.
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Attorney General Frosh Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Challenging President Trump’s Declaration of National Emergency at the Southern Border
Trump’s Fabricated Emergency and Unlawful Diversion of Congressionally Appropriated Funding to Pay for His Border Wall
BALTIMORE, MD (February 18, 2019) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today joined 15 other states in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California challenging President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency and his attempt to divert funding appropriated by Congress for other purposes. In the complaint, the coalition alleges that the Trump Administration’s emergency declaration and diversion of funds is unconstitutional and otherwise unlawful. The states seek to block the Trump Administration’s emergency declaration, the unauthorized construction of the border wall, and any illegal diversion of Congressionally-appropriated funds.
“There is no justification to declare a national emergency at our southern border,” said Attorney General Frosh. “The basis for President Trump’s declaration is fabricated. It is an illegal power grab and an abuse of executive authority. We are bringing this suit to defend the Constitution.”
Read more in the full press release:http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2019/021819.pdf
BALTIMORE, MD (February 18, 2019) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today joined 15 other states in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California challenging President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency and his attempt to divert funding appropriated by Congress for other purposes. In the complaint, the coalition alleges that the Trump Administration’s emergency declaration and diversion of funds is unconstitutional and otherwise unlawful. The states seek to block the Trump Administration’s emergency declaration, the unauthorized construction of the border wall, and any illegal diversion of Congressionally-appropriated funds.
“There is no justification to declare a national emergency at our southern border,” said Attorney General Frosh. “The basis for President Trump’s declaration is fabricated. It is an illegal power grab and an abuse of executive authority. We are bringing this suit to defend the Constitution.”
Read more in the full press release:http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2019/021819.pdf
Judge deals blow to Obama hopes of building his library on historic park land
A federal judge on Tuesday dealt a blow to President Barack Obama's presidential center in Chicago by allowing a lawsuit against the project to continue.
Protect Our Parks, Inc., along with conservation and historical groups, sued last May to stop the center from being built on historic, lakefront parkland in Chicago. The Obama Foundation is trying to build a $500 million presidential center on that land, and opponents are trying to keep the project out of Jackson Park, which is nearly as old as Central Park in New York City.
“We are not opposing construction of the Obama Presidential Center, as long as it’s not in historic Jackson Park,” said Herbert Caplan, Protect Our Parks founder.
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Protect Our Parks, Inc., along with conservation and historical groups, sued last May to stop the center from being built on historic, lakefront parkland in Chicago. The Obama Foundation is trying to build a $500 million presidential center on that land, and opponents are trying to keep the project out of Jackson Park, which is nearly as old as Central Park in New York City.
“We are not opposing construction of the Obama Presidential Center, as long as it’s not in historic Jackson Park,” said Herbert Caplan, Protect Our Parks founder.
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Dennis Prager: Explaining the Left, Part VI: Do Leftists Believe What They Say?
Truth is not a left-wing value.
I first discovered this as a graduate student studying the Soviet Union and left-wing ideologies at the Russian Institute of Columbia University School of International Affairs. Everything I have learned since has confirmed this view.
Individuals on both the left and right lie. Individuals on both the left and right tell the truth. And liberalism, unlike leftism, does value truth. But the further left one goes, the more one enters the world of the lie.
Why does the left lie?
There are two main reasons.
One is that leftists deem their goals more important than telling the truth. For example, every honest economist knows women do not earn 20 percent less money than men for the same work done for the same amount of hours under the same conditions. Yet leftists repeat the lie that women earn 78 cents for every dollar men earn. Why any employers would hire men when they could hire women and get the same amount of work done at the same level of excellence for the same number of hours while saving 20 cents on the dollar is a question only God or the sphinx could answer.
So, when New York Times columnists write this nonsense, do they believe it? The answer is they don’t ask themselves, “Is it true?” They ask themselves, “Does the claim help promote the left-wing doctrine that women are oppressed?” Whatever serves that end is morally justified.
The second reason is leftism is rooted in feelings, not reason or truth. From Karl Marx to Bernie Sanders, left-wing preference for socialism over capitalism is entirely rooted in emotion. Only capitalism creates wealth. Socialism merely spends what capitalism creates. Do leftists not know this? Even if they know it, the emotional pull of socialism prevails.
Do leftists believe there are more than two sexes? Of course not. That’s why they renamed “sex” “gender” — and then redefined “gender” to mean whatever one wants it to mean.
So then, on the left, truth is subservient to two higher values: doctrine and emotion.
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I first discovered this as a graduate student studying the Soviet Union and left-wing ideologies at the Russian Institute of Columbia University School of International Affairs. Everything I have learned since has confirmed this view.
Individuals on both the left and right lie. Individuals on both the left and right tell the truth. And liberalism, unlike leftism, does value truth. But the further left one goes, the more one enters the world of the lie.
Why does the left lie?
There are two main reasons.
One is that leftists deem their goals more important than telling the truth. For example, every honest economist knows women do not earn 20 percent less money than men for the same work done for the same amount of hours under the same conditions. Yet leftists repeat the lie that women earn 78 cents for every dollar men earn. Why any employers would hire men when they could hire women and get the same amount of work done at the same level of excellence for the same number of hours while saving 20 cents on the dollar is a question only God or the sphinx could answer.
So, when New York Times columnists write this nonsense, do they believe it? The answer is they don’t ask themselves, “Is it true?” They ask themselves, “Does the claim help promote the left-wing doctrine that women are oppressed?” Whatever serves that end is morally justified.
The second reason is leftism is rooted in feelings, not reason or truth. From Karl Marx to Bernie Sanders, left-wing preference for socialism over capitalism is entirely rooted in emotion. Only capitalism creates wealth. Socialism merely spends what capitalism creates. Do leftists not know this? Even if they know it, the emotional pull of socialism prevails.
Do leftists believe there are more than two sexes? Of course not. That’s why they renamed “sex” “gender” — and then redefined “gender” to mean whatever one wants it to mean.
So then, on the left, truth is subservient to two higher values: doctrine and emotion.
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Limbaugh: AOC’s ‘Victory’ Over Amazon Is ‘Wonderful, Teachable Moment’
On his talk radio program Friday, "The Big Voice on the Right" discussed the "wonderful teachable moment" about what is currently taking place within the Democrat Party provided by freshman Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's self-declared "victory" over billionaire Jeff Bezos and Amazon — a "victory" that came at the expense of 25,000 jobs in her district and over $20 billion in tax revenues to her state.
Calling the whole debacle "absolutely fascinating," Rush Limbaugh posited that it provides us a stark view of the "sea change" taking place within the Democrat Party. Amazon's decision to pull out of New York "because of actions taken by these new young socialist Democrat congressional people," he said, "is a wonderful teachable moment about what is happening to the Democrat Party and how the traditional way of looking at states working with companies and corporations to create jobs and create a tax base is out the window."
Citing emails to him declaring Ocasio-Cortez "dead" in 2020 because she's responsible for killing the Amazon deal, Limbaugh pushed back on the premise.
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Calling the whole debacle "absolutely fascinating," Rush Limbaugh posited that it provides us a stark view of the "sea change" taking place within the Democrat Party. Amazon's decision to pull out of New York "because of actions taken by these new young socialist Democrat congressional people," he said, "is a wonderful teachable moment about what is happening to the Democrat Party and how the traditional way of looking at states working with companies and corporations to create jobs and create a tax base is out the window."
Citing emails to him declaring Ocasio-Cortez "dead" in 2020 because she's responsible for killing the Amazon deal, Limbaugh pushed back on the premise.
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Political Editors: CBS's Lara Logan Eviscerates Leftmedia 'Propagandists'
"The media everywhere is mostly liberal. ... 85% of journalists are registered Democrats."
When Leftmedia journalists call out the Leftmedia for bias and outright propaganda, we take note. Such was the case when CBS News Foreign Correspondent Lara Logan sat with retired Navy SEAL Mike Ritland for his “Mike Drop” podcast and gave an interview that “is professional suicide for me.”
Logan lamented the ideological echo chamber that makes up most of the media:
This is the problem that I have: There’s one Fox. There’s one Fox and there’s many, many, many more organizations on the Left. … The problem is the weight of all these organizations on one side of the political spectrum. When you turn on your computer, or you walk past the TV, or you see a newspaper headline in the grocery store, if they’re all saying the same thing, the weight of that convinces you that it’s true. You don’t question it, because everyone is saying it. And unless you seek out Breitbart on your computer, you’re probably not even going to know what the other side is saying. Right?
Moreover, Logan said, journalists are too often actually Democrat Party members:
The media everywhere is mostly liberal, not just in the U.S. But in this country, 85% of journalists are registered Democrats. So that’s just a fact. No one is registering Democrat when they’re really a Republican. So, the facts are on the side of what you just stated: Most journalists are Left, or liberal, or Democrat, or whatever word you wanna give it.
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When Leftmedia journalists call out the Leftmedia for bias and outright propaganda, we take note. Such was the case when CBS News Foreign Correspondent Lara Logan sat with retired Navy SEAL Mike Ritland for his “Mike Drop” podcast and gave an interview that “is professional suicide for me.”
Logan lamented the ideological echo chamber that makes up most of the media:
This is the problem that I have: There’s one Fox. There’s one Fox and there’s many, many, many more organizations on the Left. … The problem is the weight of all these organizations on one side of the political spectrum. When you turn on your computer, or you walk past the TV, or you see a newspaper headline in the grocery store, if they’re all saying the same thing, the weight of that convinces you that it’s true. You don’t question it, because everyone is saying it. And unless you seek out Breitbart on your computer, you’re probably not even going to know what the other side is saying. Right?
Moreover, Logan said, journalists are too often actually Democrat Party members:
The media everywhere is mostly liberal, not just in the U.S. But in this country, 85% of journalists are registered Democrats. So that’s just a fact. No one is registering Democrat when they’re really a Republican. So, the facts are on the side of what you just stated: Most journalists are Left, or liberal, or Democrat, or whatever word you wanna give it.
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Public presentation of Pirate’s Wharf history scheduled for March 6
SALISBURY, Md. – A public presentation of Pirate’s Wharf history is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6 at 6 p.m. in the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Flanders Rooms.
Through a mini-grant from the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area Council, the County was able to hire Mike Hitch as a consultant to develop the story of Pirate’s Wharf. Hitch is a local genealogist and historian known for his research on Delmarva.
During the presentation, Hitch will detail his findings on the history of Pirate’s Wharf, dating from 1666 to current day. Hitch will also provide recommendations for how the County can incorporate the property’s history into the park’s master plan.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Through a mini-grant from the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area Council, the County was able to hire Mike Hitch as a consultant to develop the story of Pirate’s Wharf. Hitch is a local genealogist and historian known for his research on Delmarva.
During the presentation, Hitch will detail his findings on the history of Pirate’s Wharf, dating from 1666 to current day. Hitch will also provide recommendations for how the County can incorporate the property’s history into the park’s master plan.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Culture Beat: Californians Want to Flee Their Socialist 'Paradise'
A majority of residents want to leave the state over problems their own leftist voting record created.
The problem with California is Californians — at least that’s what the latest survey data indicates. According to the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer, 53% of California residents are considering moving out of state due in part to high housing costs, homelessness, and an overwhelming belief that the state’s best days are behind it. But to whom are Californians looking to solve these problems their own voting for leftists has caused? Well, 53% believe it is the federal government’s job to solve California’s problems. Sorry, wrong answer.
Like New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shifting blame to President Donald Trump and the Republicans for ending the federal government subsidizing high SALT deductions in tax heavy states, too many California residents are blaming the feds for the very problems their local politicians have created. As Stacey Lennox, writing for The Resurgent, observes, “Judging by the responses, it is as if citizens of this state by and large see themselves as victims. Like they have completely forgotten they put the yahoos in office who have made the policies that have caused housing prices, homelessness and other problems to skyrocket.”
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The problem with California is Californians — at least that’s what the latest survey data indicates. According to the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer, 53% of California residents are considering moving out of state due in part to high housing costs, homelessness, and an overwhelming belief that the state’s best days are behind it. But to whom are Californians looking to solve these problems their own voting for leftists has caused? Well, 53% believe it is the federal government’s job to solve California’s problems. Sorry, wrong answer.
Like New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shifting blame to President Donald Trump and the Republicans for ending the federal government subsidizing high SALT deductions in tax heavy states, too many California residents are blaming the feds for the very problems their local politicians have created. As Stacey Lennox, writing for The Resurgent, observes, “Judging by the responses, it is as if citizens of this state by and large see themselves as victims. Like they have completely forgotten they put the yahoos in office who have made the policies that have caused housing prices, homelessness and other problems to skyrocket.”
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School House Rock -The Preamble
Everyone in high school should have to watch this. Heck, most people on the entire Eastern Shore should be forced to watch this too.
Conservative leaders demand apology for media treatment of Covington students
The Media Research Center and 34 conservative leaders are demanding an apology from “the liberal media” for their rush to judgment about the videotaped encounter from Jan. 18 between the teens from Covington Catholic High School in Kentucky and Native Americans at the Lincoln Memorial.
“The liberal media's promotion of this false narrative incited death threats to these kids and their families. If not for the leftist media’s contempt for pro-lifers and President Trump, this ‘story’ would have never reached the magnitude that it did,” the statement read. “We denounce any media outlet that continues to so dishonestly attack the Covington Catholic kids, and we call on them to apologize for the bullying behavior that continues to result in threats of violence against the kids, their school and their community.”
Criticism has been widespread since videos showed the students, some wearing "Make America Great Again" hats favored by many Trump supporters, facing off against an Omaha Nation elder and a cluster of Black Hebrew Israelites. Both school officials and the Native Americans involved have said they've received death threats since the encounter spread online and in the media. But the various sides say they've been misunderstood, and that partial images were taken out of context.
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https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/conservative-leaders-demand-apology-for-media-treatment-of-covington-students
“The liberal media's promotion of this false narrative incited death threats to these kids and their families. If not for the leftist media’s contempt for pro-lifers and President Trump, this ‘story’ would have never reached the magnitude that it did,” the statement read. “We denounce any media outlet that continues to so dishonestly attack the Covington Catholic kids, and we call on them to apologize for the bullying behavior that continues to result in threats of violence against the kids, their school and their community.”
Criticism has been widespread since videos showed the students, some wearing "Make America Great Again" hats favored by many Trump supporters, facing off against an Omaha Nation elder and a cluster of Black Hebrew Israelites. Both school officials and the Native Americans involved have said they've received death threats since the encounter spread online and in the media. But the various sides say they've been misunderstood, and that partial images were taken out of context.
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https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/conservative-leaders-demand-apology-for-media-treatment-of-covington-students
U.S. Taxpayers Fund Border Walls in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Middle East
While the United States-Mexico border received only $1.3 billion for construction of a border wall at the overwhelmed southern border with soaring illegal immigration, foreign countries are getting help from American taxpayers to secure their borders.
The Republican-Democrat spending bill signed by Trump last week provides Pakistan with at least $15 million in U.S. taxpayer money for “border security programs” as well as funding for “cross border stabilization” between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In total, the spending bill provides about $6 billion in American taxpayer money to finance foreign militaries, some of which can be used by Lebanon to “strengthen border security and combat terrorism.”
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Judge tosses $38 million award in case of Maryland woman killed by police
A jury's $38 million award to the family of a woman killed by police in suburban Baltimore has been thrown out of court by a judge.
A police bullet killed 23-year-old Korryn Gaines and wounded her 5-year-old son in 2016 in Randallstown, Md., after an hours-long standoff—an incident that drew national attention.
In a lengthy decision, Maryland Judge Mickey Norman rejected the jury’s finding last year that the officer who shot Gaines acted unreasonably in violation of her civil rights, the Baltimore Sun reported Friday.
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A police bullet killed 23-year-old Korryn Gaines and wounded her 5-year-old son in 2016 in Randallstown, Md., after an hours-long standoff—an incident that drew national attention.
In a lengthy decision, Maryland Judge Mickey Norman rejected the jury’s finding last year that the officer who shot Gaines acted unreasonably in violation of her civil rights, the Baltimore Sun reported Friday.
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Lack of Infrastructure Continually Exploited For Illegal Immigration
TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station, detained 103 illegal aliens from Central America, Monday morning, after they illegally entered the United States and surrendered west of Lukeville.
Agents operating mobile surveillance technology first spotted the group in the early morning hours as they walked through the anti-vehicle post-and-rail fence that delineates the U.S./Mexico border.
The group, composed of 81 Guatemalans, and 22 Hondurans, included 59 minors. Along with the family units, eight unaccompanied children were also found as part of the group that ranged in age from 1 to 56 years old.
The area where the group was arrested parallels Mexico’s Federal Highway 2, and is located less than 50 yards from the U.S./Mexico Border. In the last few months, Border Patrol agents have seen an alarming surge of large family groups crossing the border illegally at the direction of human smugglers.
Transnational criminal organizations exploit the vulnerability of family groups with false promises of legal status and encourage dangerous border crossings, placing lives at risk.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
Agents operating mobile surveillance technology first spotted the group in the early morning hours as they walked through the anti-vehicle post-and-rail fence that delineates the U.S./Mexico border.
The group, composed of 81 Guatemalans, and 22 Hondurans, included 59 minors. Along with the family units, eight unaccompanied children were also found as part of the group that ranged in age from 1 to 56 years old.
The area where the group was arrested parallels Mexico’s Federal Highway 2, and is located less than 50 yards from the U.S./Mexico Border. In the last few months, Border Patrol agents have seen an alarming surge of large family groups crossing the border illegally at the direction of human smugglers.
Transnational criminal organizations exploit the vulnerability of family groups with false promises of legal status and encourage dangerous border crossings, placing lives at risk.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
Ocasio-Cortez raises eyebrows after comparing Trump's border wall to Berlin Wall
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised eyebrows after comparing President Trump’s border wall plans to the Berlin Wall separating communist Germany from the free world.
The New York Democrat made her remarks during a livestream for supporters on Friday, where she spoke out about the scrutiny she received ever since she won the election last year and dethroned top Democrat Joe Crowley.
“No matter how you feel about the wall, I think it’s a moral abomination,” Ocasio-Cortez said on the issue of the border wall that Trump has been pushing for since getting into office.
“I think it’s like the Berlin Wall. I think it’s like any other wall designed to separate human beings and block out people who are running away from the humanitarian disasters. I just think it’s wrong,” she added.
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The New York Democrat made her remarks during a livestream for supporters on Friday, where she spoke out about the scrutiny she received ever since she won the election last year and dethroned top Democrat Joe Crowley.
“No matter how you feel about the wall, I think it’s a moral abomination,” Ocasio-Cortez said on the issue of the border wall that Trump has been pushing for since getting into office.
“I think it’s like the Berlin Wall. I think it’s like any other wall designed to separate human beings and block out people who are running away from the humanitarian disasters. I just think it’s wrong,” she added.
More
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ocasio-cortez-raises-eyebrows-after-comparing-trumps-border-wall-to-berlin-wall
The Left Wants to Transform Our Election System. It’s a Recipe for 1-Party Rule.
Democrats intend to save “democracy” by putting themselves in charge of elections.
As absurd as that sounds, it really is a part of the inappropriately named “For the People Act of 2019,” or H.R. 1, moving through the House of Representatives.
The Heritage Foundation created a list of the law’s provisions, which you can read here. The Conservative Action Project also provided this quick rundown of the bill:
• Forces states to implement mandatory voter registration, removing civic participation as a voluntary choice, and increasing chances for error.
• Mandates that states allow all felons to vote.
• Forces states to extend periods of early voting, which has shown to have no effect on turnout.
• Mandates same-day voter registration, which encourages voter fraud.
• Limits the ability of states to cooperate to see who is registered in multiple states at the same time.
• Prohibits election observers from cooperating with election officials to file formal challenges to suspicious voter registrations.
• Criminalizes protected political speech by making it a crime to ‘discourage’ someone from voting.
• Bars states from making their own laws about voting by mail.
• Prohibits chief election officials in each state from participating in federal election campaigns.
• Mandates free mailing of absentee ballots.
• Mandates that states adopt new redistricting commissions.
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As absurd as that sounds, it really is a part of the inappropriately named “For the People Act of 2019,” or H.R. 1, moving through the House of Representatives.
The Heritage Foundation created a list of the law’s provisions, which you can read here. The Conservative Action Project also provided this quick rundown of the bill:
• Forces states to implement mandatory voter registration, removing civic participation as a voluntary choice, and increasing chances for error.
• Mandates that states allow all felons to vote.
• Forces states to extend periods of early voting, which has shown to have no effect on turnout.
• Mandates same-day voter registration, which encourages voter fraud.
• Limits the ability of states to cooperate to see who is registered in multiple states at the same time.
• Prohibits election observers from cooperating with election officials to file formal challenges to suspicious voter registrations.
• Criminalizes protected political speech by making it a crime to ‘discourage’ someone from voting.
• Bars states from making their own laws about voting by mail.
• Prohibits chief election officials in each state from participating in federal election campaigns.
• Mandates free mailing of absentee ballots.
• Mandates that states adopt new redistricting commissions.
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Dems: Prohibited Possessors Should Be Prosecuted for Trying to Buy Firearms, Unless...
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday held a "markup session" for HR 8, the Democratic-sponsored gun control legislation that is currently being considered. The primary focus of the bill is passing universal background checks.
During the hearing, Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced a simple amendment to the bill that would require Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to report anyone who fails a background check to law enforcement agencies. Steube literally used the same language from a bill introduced by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) during the last Congress.
Democrats eventually voted down the amendment, and Chairman Nadler said he'd have to do a "hard look" at the amendment before they would considered adopting it.
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During the hearing, Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced a simple amendment to the bill that would require Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to report anyone who fails a background check to law enforcement agencies. Steube literally used the same language from a bill introduced by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) during the last Congress.
Democrats eventually voted down the amendment, and Chairman Nadler said he'd have to do a "hard look" at the amendment before they would considered adopting it.
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Former KKK Grand Wizard Defends Omar Tweets
Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke on Monday defended Rep. Ilhan Omar's (D., Minn.) tweets decrying AIPAC and what she suggested was the pro-Israel organization's improper influence on Republican lawmakers.
"So, let us get this straight. It is ‘Anti-Semitism' to point out that the most powerful political moneybags in American politics are Zionists who put another nation's interest (israel's) over that of America ??????" Duke wrote in response to a tweet from Nikki Haley. The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations had responded to Omar's tweets from Sunday with condemnation.
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"So, let us get this straight. It is ‘Anti-Semitism' to point out that the most powerful political moneybags in American politics are Zionists who put another nation's interest (israel's) over that of America ??????" Duke wrote in response to a tweet from Nikki Haley. The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations had responded to Omar's tweets from Sunday with condemnation.
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School Closings
Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, Worcester County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20, 2019, for students and 10-month staff. All after school, evening and Adult Education classes are also cancelled.
Due to the predicted winter weather, Delmar School District & Delmar Elementary School will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20. Please be safe.
Somerset County
Please share....we are calling a two-hour delay for tomorrow morning because of the impeding snowstorm. We have a forecast that shows temperatures rising but to be safe we will start with a two hour delay and reevaluate in the morning by 6AM. 12 month staff needs to report as normal to prepare the buildings in case we open.
Due to the predicted winter weather, Delmar School District & Delmar Elementary School will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20. Please be safe.
Somerset County
Please share....we are calling a two-hour delay for tomorrow morning because of the impeding snowstorm. We have a forecast that shows temperatures rising but to be safe we will start with a two hour delay and reevaluate in the morning by 6AM. 12 month staff needs to report as normal to prepare the buildings in case we open.
Report: Widespread National Food Stamp Fraud Totals at Least $1 Billion
According to a new report produced by the Government and Accountability Office (GAO), at least $1 billion in food stamp benefits are "trafficked annually," meaning they are fraudulently used. The extent of the fraud is uncertain, the GAO warns, estimating the abuse of the program could be as high as $4.7 billion.
About 20 million lower-income households receive benefits from the $64 billion Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, to buy food. But GAO found that instead of being used for food, many stores are defrauding the program by "selling" cash instead of food.
"For example, a store might give a person $50 in exchange for $100 in benefits – then pocket the difference," GAO explains.
The Food Nutrition Service (FNS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees SNAP and is responsible for authorizing and overseeing retailers.
The fraud, known as "retailer trafficking," costs taxpayers at least $1 billion. However, the real cost could be "anywhere from $960 million to $4.7 billion," the GAO adds.
The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), a Washington, D.C.-based think tank advocating reform, launched a "Stop the Scam initiative" to raise awareness of the widespread problem.
"Welfare fraud is one of the biggest untold stories of the last decade, robbing resources from the truly needy and eroding public trust in the integrity of our welfare programs," Sam Adolphsen, vice president of executive affairs at FGA, said in a statement. "While the bad-actor food stamp retailers exposed in this GAO report are in part to blame, we must not lose sight of the accountability that falls upon the food stamp recipient willing to commit fraud and abuse the system."
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About 20 million lower-income households receive benefits from the $64 billion Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, to buy food. But GAO found that instead of being used for food, many stores are defrauding the program by "selling" cash instead of food.
"For example, a store might give a person $50 in exchange for $100 in benefits – then pocket the difference," GAO explains.
The Food Nutrition Service (FNS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees SNAP and is responsible for authorizing and overseeing retailers.
The fraud, known as "retailer trafficking," costs taxpayers at least $1 billion. However, the real cost could be "anywhere from $960 million to $4.7 billion," the GAO adds.
The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), a Washington, D.C.-based think tank advocating reform, launched a "Stop the Scam initiative" to raise awareness of the widespread problem.
"Welfare fraud is one of the biggest untold stories of the last decade, robbing resources from the truly needy and eroding public trust in the integrity of our welfare programs," Sam Adolphsen, vice president of executive affairs at FGA, said in a statement. "While the bad-actor food stamp retailers exposed in this GAO report are in part to blame, we must not lose sight of the accountability that falls upon the food stamp recipient willing to commit fraud and abuse the system."
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