If readers haven’t been following the pro-freedom news lately, it’s easy to miss that a number of states have passed a unique, welcome, necessary reform: constitutional carry. One gun rights lobbyist in Iowa announced that this was a hot issue this year, even though an Iowa legislative committee had stalled on its passage. Constitutional carry is carrying a lot of weight this year. Yet still the stigma remains that it’s dangerous, foolish to allow law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm, whether open or concealed, and without having to obtain a permit.
Activists have been firing off these arguments for decades, and they have poisoned the general consensus for a while. When I was a kid, I can still remember one particular joke from a new comic who talked about a city in Alaska—the name of which I do not remember. “In this city, everyone carries a gun on their belt.” The audience starts laughing. “Can you imagine walking down the street, and your neighbor greets you with, 'Hey, how ya doing?'" Then the comedian made the “hold up” gesture with his hand.
“Ha Ha. So funny.” But is it true? Does a reduction in state gun restrictions lead to such, hapless irresponsible conduct?
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, March 05, 2019
Ben Shapiro: Venezuela and the Myth of Kinder, Gentler Socialism
Venezuela is a socialist country. Venezuela is also a dictatorship. Currently, Venezuela has fallen into open violence and complete chaos, with the strongman Nicolas Maduro ordering troops to open fire on those attempting to bring humanitarian aid into the country.
Yet, strangely, Maduro still has his defenders. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the leading declared Democratic 2020 presidential candidate and avowed socialist, refuses to label Maduro a “dictator.” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in full 9/11 truther mode, “Democrats need to be careful about a potential trap being set by Trump et al in Venezuela. Cheering humanitarian convoys sounds like the right thing to do, but what if it’s not about the aid?” Fresh Face of the Democratic Party Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has remained shockingly silent about Venezuela, except to tell The Daily Caller News Foundation, “I think that, you know, the humanitarian crisis is extremely concerning but, you know, when we use non-Democratic means to determine leadership, that’s also concerning, as well.” Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., another Fresh Face of the Democratic Party, grilled U.S. envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams in an obvious attempt to stall on behalf of a gentler approach to Maduro.
Why the shocking unwillingness by the socialist hard-liners in the Democratic Party to condemn Maduro and join the rest of the world in calling for his ouster? After all, we’ve been assured by Sanders, AOC, Omar and others that true socialism isn’t at stake in Venezuela — true socialism can be found in nations like Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Yet even so, these socialist Democrats can’t find it in their hearts to cut ties with Venezuela.
How strange.
Perhaps it’s because Sanders and his crowd understand full well that Venezuela is an excellent case study in socialism — nationalization of major industries by a centralized government, abolition of the profit motive and redistribution of resources via tyranny. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that Sanders was praising the Soviet Union (he said it had “a whole variety of programs for young people and cultural programs which go far beyond what we do in this country”), Nicaraguan Sandanista Daniel Ortega and Cuba’s Fidel Castro (“… he educated their kids, gave their kids health care, totally transformed the society.”).
More
Yet, strangely, Maduro still has his defenders. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the leading declared Democratic 2020 presidential candidate and avowed socialist, refuses to label Maduro a “dictator.” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in full 9/11 truther mode, “Democrats need to be careful about a potential trap being set by Trump et al in Venezuela. Cheering humanitarian convoys sounds like the right thing to do, but what if it’s not about the aid?” Fresh Face of the Democratic Party Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has remained shockingly silent about Venezuela, except to tell The Daily Caller News Foundation, “I think that, you know, the humanitarian crisis is extremely concerning but, you know, when we use non-Democratic means to determine leadership, that’s also concerning, as well.” Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., another Fresh Face of the Democratic Party, grilled U.S. envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams in an obvious attempt to stall on behalf of a gentler approach to Maduro.
Why the shocking unwillingness by the socialist hard-liners in the Democratic Party to condemn Maduro and join the rest of the world in calling for his ouster? After all, we’ve been assured by Sanders, AOC, Omar and others that true socialism isn’t at stake in Venezuela — true socialism can be found in nations like Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Yet even so, these socialist Democrats can’t find it in their hearts to cut ties with Venezuela.
How strange.
Perhaps it’s because Sanders and his crowd understand full well that Venezuela is an excellent case study in socialism — nationalization of major industries by a centralized government, abolition of the profit motive and redistribution of resources via tyranny. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that Sanders was praising the Soviet Union (he said it had “a whole variety of programs for young people and cultural programs which go far beyond what we do in this country”), Nicaraguan Sandanista Daniel Ortega and Cuba’s Fidel Castro (“… he educated their kids, gave their kids health care, totally transformed the society.”).
More
UC-Berkeley 'reopens investigation' into campus assault on conservative
University of California-Berkeley officials say that campus police have reopened an investigation into the assault on a conservative activist who was manning a recruitment table on campus.
Earlier this week, officials said the investigation had ended and police were seeking a felony arrest warrant from the Alameda County District Attorney Office.
The new announcement, which offered no details, was the latest in a series of delays and cryptic messages from authorities relating to the Feb. 19 attack, which was captured on video and clearly shows the face of the apparent attacker.
The new delay in the case drew the ire of the organization for which the activist, Hayden Williams, was manning the recruitment table.
“This is astonishing - what extra work needs to be done?” said Charlie Kirk, the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, which plans to establish a chapter at Berkeley. “The assault was clearly captured on video. If the attacker was wearing a MAGA (Make America Great Again) hat this case would be wrapped up by now, daily press conferences would be occurring, and arrests would have already happened.”
More
https://www.foxnews.com/us/uc-berkeley-reopens-investigation-into-campus-assault-on-conservative-activist-days-after-announcing-its-end-organization-leader-blasts-delays
Earlier this week, officials said the investigation had ended and police were seeking a felony arrest warrant from the Alameda County District Attorney Office.
The new announcement, which offered no details, was the latest in a series of delays and cryptic messages from authorities relating to the Feb. 19 attack, which was captured on video and clearly shows the face of the apparent attacker.
The new delay in the case drew the ire of the organization for which the activist, Hayden Williams, was manning the recruitment table.
“This is astonishing - what extra work needs to be done?” said Charlie Kirk, the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, which plans to establish a chapter at Berkeley. “The assault was clearly captured on video. If the attacker was wearing a MAGA (Make America Great Again) hat this case would be wrapped up by now, daily press conferences would be occurring, and arrests would have already happened.”
More
https://www.foxnews.com/us/uc-berkeley-reopens-investigation-into-campus-assault-on-conservative-activist-days-after-announcing-its-end-organization-leader-blasts-delays
DHS Extends ‘Temporary’ Amnesty for 300K Foreign Nationals
President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is extending a temporary amnesty status for more than 300,000 foreign nationals, a notice from the agency states.
In an announcement on Thursday, Nielsen said DHS would not only continue to comply with a preliminary injunction from last year — in which a federal judge in California blocked Trump’s rescinding of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — but that the agency would be extending TPS for hundreds of thousands of nationals of Sudan, Haiti, Nicaragua, and El Salvador through January 2020.
Sudanese nationals have had their TPS extended since 1997, while Nicaraguans have enjoyed TPS since 1998. Likewise, El Salvador’s nationals have had TPS since about 2001, and Haitians have had their TPS renewed since about 2010.
Trump sought to end TPS for the more than 300,000 foreign resident population in the U.S., prompting a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Now, though, Nielsen’s decision to extend TPS will allow the foreign nationals to stay in the country until at least January 2020, a reversal of the administration’s initial plan.
More here
In an announcement on Thursday, Nielsen said DHS would not only continue to comply with a preliminary injunction from last year — in which a federal judge in California blocked Trump’s rescinding of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — but that the agency would be extending TPS for hundreds of thousands of nationals of Sudan, Haiti, Nicaragua, and El Salvador through January 2020.
Sudanese nationals have had their TPS extended since 1997, while Nicaraguans have enjoyed TPS since 1998. Likewise, El Salvador’s nationals have had TPS since about 2001, and Haitians have had their TPS renewed since about 2010.
Trump sought to end TPS for the more than 300,000 foreign resident population in the U.S., prompting a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Now, though, Nielsen’s decision to extend TPS will allow the foreign nationals to stay in the country until at least January 2020, a reversal of the administration’s initial plan.
More here
Which Degrees Will Earn You The Most (And The Least)?
There are a number of considerations to be made when deciding which degree course to pursue. Most people though will at leastat some point think about their earning potential once they've graduated.
According to gov.uk analysis, in England, the graduates earning the most compared to the average degree five years after graduation are those that studied medicine - coming in at 74.3 percent more for women and 62.7 percent for men. In second place for
You will find more infographics at Statista
At the other end of the spectrum, the graduates earning the least compared to the average degree five years after graduation are those that studied the creative arts - equating to 21 percent less for women and 29.2 percent less for men.
More
According to gov.uk analysis, in England, the graduates earning the most compared to the average degree five years after graduation are those that studied medicine - coming in at 74.3 percent more for women and 62.7 percent for men. In second place for
You will find more infographics at Statista
At the other end of the spectrum, the graduates earning the least compared to the average degree five years after graduation are those that studied the creative arts - equating to 21 percent less for women and 29.2 percent less for men.
More
200 Cases of Mumps Confirmed in Texas Migrant Detention Centers
Texas health officials report that nearly 200 people contracted mumps in migrant detention facilities located across the state so far this fiscal year.
Officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services stated that 186 people in migrant detention centers located in Texas had confirmed cases of mumps. The cases impacted migrant adults and minors as well as detention center workers, the Texas Tribune reported.
There have been “no reported transmission (of mumps) to the community,” State Health Services Spokeswoman Lara Anton told the news outlet. She said the state health agency is not aware of the vaccination status of migrant adults and children who enter the United States. However, “all unaccompanied minors are vaccinated when they are detained.”
More
Officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services stated that 186 people in migrant detention centers located in Texas had confirmed cases of mumps. The cases impacted migrant adults and minors as well as detention center workers, the Texas Tribune reported.
There have been “no reported transmission (of mumps) to the community,” State Health Services Spokeswoman Lara Anton told the news outlet. She said the state health agency is not aware of the vaccination status of migrant adults and children who enter the United States. However, “all unaccompanied minors are vaccinated when they are detained.”
More
In ‘Emotional’ Meeting After ‘Embarrassing’ Gun Bill Vote, Democrats Learn Their 2018 Blue Wave Isn’t So Blue
"... their promise to their constituents was that they were going to put people over politics."
Just a couple of months into their new reign in the House after the "blue wave" election in 2018, Democratic leaders are coming to find that they're not quite as unified as they'd hoped they'd be — and that some of the moderate Democrats elected in districts Trump won in 2016 are actually willing to do what the increasingly radical leadership of the party is committed to never doing: compromising at times with Republicans.
Just a couple of months into their new reign in the House after the "blue wave" election in 2018, Democratic leaders are coming to find that they're not quite as unified as they'd hoped they'd be — and that some of the moderate Democrats elected in districts Trump won in 2016 are actually willing to do what the increasingly radical leadership of the party is committed to never doing: compromising at times with Republicans.
New Study Claims Dr. Seuss And His Books Are Racist
His work included overwhelmingly white characters, study says
Dr. Seuss is generally known as a beloved author of children’s books. His works have spawned numerous spin-offs, movies and television shows. His plots have been praised as highlighting the absurdity of human nature and calling on people to be better versions of themselves.
But a study published this month claims his work is racist, and it joins a growing chorus of voices deeming the iconic author problematic.
The study is titled “The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss’s Children’s Books.”
It is co-authored by Katie Ishizuka of the The Conscious Kid Library and Ramón Stephens, a PhD student in education at the University of California, San Diego. They describe themselves as “critical race scholar-activists.”
The two interpreted the late author’s works as “dehumanizing and degrading” to “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and people from other marginalized groups (including Jewish people and Muslims),” largely because non-white characters were illustrated in stereotypical fashions, they argued.
They also claimed the books included “white savior” heroes as well as dehumanized characters of color. The study found Seuss (whose real name was Theodore Seuss Geisel) published “anti-Black and anti-Semitic cartoons” and “sexist depictions of women.”
Seuss, who died in 1991 at the age of 87, also controversially showed support for the internment of Japanese citizens during World War II.
The study addresses that by noting:
More
Dr. Seuss is generally known as a beloved author of children’s books. His works have spawned numerous spin-offs, movies and television shows. His plots have been praised as highlighting the absurdity of human nature and calling on people to be better versions of themselves.
But a study published this month claims his work is racist, and it joins a growing chorus of voices deeming the iconic author problematic.
The study is titled “The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss’s Children’s Books.”
It is co-authored by Katie Ishizuka of the The Conscious Kid Library and Ramón Stephens, a PhD student in education at the University of California, San Diego. They describe themselves as “critical race scholar-activists.”
The two interpreted the late author’s works as “dehumanizing and degrading” to “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and people from other marginalized groups (including Jewish people and Muslims),” largely because non-white characters were illustrated in stereotypical fashions, they argued.
They also claimed the books included “white savior” heroes as well as dehumanized characters of color. The study found Seuss (whose real name was Theodore Seuss Geisel) published “anti-Black and anti-Semitic cartoons” and “sexist depictions of women.”
Seuss, who died in 1991 at the age of 87, also controversially showed support for the internment of Japanese citizens during World War II.
The study addresses that by noting:
More
Ben Bernanke - The Father Of Extreme US Socialism
Looking for a reason for the upsurge in radical socialism, don't blame Trump, blame the Fed.
Writer David McWilliams penned an excellent article in the Financial Times:Quantitative Easing was the Father of Millennial Socialism.
McWilliams notes that Fed chairman Ben Bernanke's "cash for trash" QE scheme drove up asset prices and bailed out the baby boomers. The cost of course, was pricing millennials out of the housing market.
Unorthodox policy penalizes the asset poor.
What assets do millennials have? Hardly any. Instead they are saddled with mountains of student debt which, thanks to president George W. Bush, could no longer be discharged in bankruptcy.
The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005 would have better been called the Debt Slave Act of 2005.
Then, when the Great Financial Crisis hit, the Fed came along bailed out the banks, bailed out the bondholders, bailed out Fannie Mae, and bailed out the asset holders in general, leaving millennials mired in debt unable to afford a house.
Writer David McWilliams penned an excellent article in the Financial Times:Quantitative Easing was the Father of Millennial Socialism.
McWilliams notes that Fed chairman Ben Bernanke's "cash for trash" QE scheme drove up asset prices and bailed out the baby boomers. The cost of course, was pricing millennials out of the housing market.
Unorthodox policy penalizes the asset poor.
What assets do millennials have? Hardly any. Instead they are saddled with mountains of student debt which, thanks to president George W. Bush, could no longer be discharged in bankruptcy.
The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005 would have better been called the Debt Slave Act of 2005.
Then, when the Great Financial Crisis hit, the Fed came along bailed out the banks, bailed out the bondholders, bailed out Fannie Mae, and bailed out the asset holders in general, leaving millennials mired in debt unable to afford a house.
Simmering Stew of Anger
The irony in this simmering stew of anger is people blame Trump, not the Fed.
But socialism, even AOC's radical socialism is not about Trump, at least directly.
The irony in this simmering stew of anger is people blame Trump, not the Fed.
But socialism, even AOC's radical socialism is not about Trump, at least directly.
Peak Trump
I had a lengthy phone conversation with David Stockman after I finished reading his new book, "Peak Trump".
The first thing I said to him was "This really isn't about Trump, is it?"
He laughed, then responded along the lines of, "You are correct. Trump is a symptom of the problem. He wanted to drain the swamp but failed to do so. He never really had a good chance of doing that, but he failed to make the most of the chance he had. We are where we are because of decades of Congressional and monetary mismanagement."
I gave his book two thumbs up in "Peak Trump" by David Stockman: Book Review
More
I had a lengthy phone conversation with David Stockman after I finished reading his new book, "Peak Trump".
The first thing I said to him was "This really isn't about Trump, is it?"
He laughed, then responded along the lines of, "You are correct. Trump is a symptom of the problem. He wanted to drain the swamp but failed to do so. He never really had a good chance of doing that, but he failed to make the most of the chance he had. We are where we are because of decades of Congressional and monetary mismanagement."
I gave his book two thumbs up in "Peak Trump" by David Stockman: Book Review
More
Byron York: House Democrats send message: Impeachment is on
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee says there is no doubt President Trump has obstructed justice.
"It's very clear that the president obstructed justice," Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler told ABC Sunday. "It's very clear — 1,100 times he referred to the Mueller investigation as a witch hunt, he tried to — he fired — he tried to protect Flynn from being investigated by the FBI. He fired Comey in order to stop the Russian thing, as he told NBC News. He — he's dangled part — he's threat — he's intimidated witnesses. In public."
Think what you will about the reasons — calling an investigation a "witch hunt" is obstruction of justice? — but Nadler sounded less like a man weighing the evidence than a man who has has made up his mind. Given that, Nadler's ABC interview led to a question: President Nixon was threatened with impeachment for obstruction of justice. President Clinton was impeached for obstruction of justice. Why is Nadler, who heads the committee in the House that originates articles of impeachment, not moving forward with impeaching President Trump right now?
More
"It's very clear that the president obstructed justice," Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler told ABC Sunday. "It's very clear — 1,100 times he referred to the Mueller investigation as a witch hunt, he tried to — he fired — he tried to protect Flynn from being investigated by the FBI. He fired Comey in order to stop the Russian thing, as he told NBC News. He — he's dangled part — he's threat — he's intimidated witnesses. In public."
Think what you will about the reasons — calling an investigation a "witch hunt" is obstruction of justice? — but Nadler sounded less like a man weighing the evidence than a man who has has made up his mind. Given that, Nadler's ABC interview led to a question: President Nixon was threatened with impeachment for obstruction of justice. President Clinton was impeached for obstruction of justice. Why is Nadler, who heads the committee in the House that originates articles of impeachment, not moving forward with impeaching President Trump right now?
More
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Chief of Staff Ran Slush Fund - Funneled Over Million in Campaign Donations to His Own Companies!
According to a complaint filed with the Federal Election Committee Monday (FEC), two PACs founded by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s top aide, Saikat Chakrabarti funneled over $ 1 million in political donations into two of his own private companies, reported the Washington Examiner.
So much for Ocasio-Cortez’s promise to reduce “dark money” in politics!
According to a complaint filed by government watchdog group National Legal and Policy Center, it appears Chakrabarti set up his two companies for the sole purpose of hiding how the donations were used.
More
So much for Ocasio-Cortez’s promise to reduce “dark money” in politics!
According to a complaint filed by government watchdog group National Legal and Policy Center, it appears Chakrabarti set up his two companies for the sole purpose of hiding how the donations were used.
More
Save The Eggs!
Join us on Saturday, April 6th from 1 – 3 p.m. for the 4th annual Save the Eggs event featuring a space-themed egg hunt and egg science demonstrations.
Arrive early to participate in the space-themed egg hunt starting promptly at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Visitor Center. The hunt will include two separate zones, one for young and one for older children. The space eggs will be filled with toys, stickers, tattoos and more! Hunters are encouraged to bring a bag to hold the eggs they collect.
For the remainder of the event, watch entertaining and educational live science demonstrations featuring eggs performed right before your eyes.
This event is free and open to the public. Supplies and space are limited.
Large Migrant Groups Cross Border Barrier into Arizona
Border Patrol agents in Arizona continue to be overwhelmed by large migrant groups who exploit the outdated fencing technology to gain entry into the U.S. from Mexico.
Ajo Station agents patrolling west of the Lukeville Port of Entry on Saturday encountered a large group of migrants illegally crossing an outdated vehicle barrier. The migrants came across in smaller groups until they eventually surpassed 100, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials tweeted.
The photo shows a large group of mostly Central American migrants with very young children who are brought to the area by cartel-connected human smugglers.
One day earlier, Ajo Station agents came upon another group of 86 in the same area west of the Lukeville Port of Entry where the migrants could have legally crossed the border to request asylum. Instead, human smugglers took them to this remote location to cross the border illegally.
Border Patrol officials say that the Mexican drug cartels utilize these large groups of migrants to distract and tie up Border Patrol agents who are obligated by law to prioritize the processing of migrant families and unaccompanied minors, Breitbart News reported.
More
Ajo Station agents patrolling west of the Lukeville Port of Entry on Saturday encountered a large group of migrants illegally crossing an outdated vehicle barrier. The migrants came across in smaller groups until they eventually surpassed 100, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials tweeted.
The photo shows a large group of mostly Central American migrants with very young children who are brought to the area by cartel-connected human smugglers.
One day earlier, Ajo Station agents came upon another group of 86 in the same area west of the Lukeville Port of Entry where the migrants could have legally crossed the border to request asylum. Instead, human smugglers took them to this remote location to cross the border illegally.
Border Patrol officials say that the Mexican drug cartels utilize these large groups of migrants to distract and tie up Border Patrol agents who are obligated by law to prioritize the processing of migrant families and unaccompanied minors, Breitbart News reported.
More
Subject: Mitch McConnell Fails to Prevent Revolt Against Trump’s National Emergency Declaration
Speaking at an event Louisville, McConnell said that while the resolution will pass in the Senate, it is highly likely the House will vote to uphold the president’s veto. “What is clear in the Senate is that there will be enough votes to pass the resolution of disapproval, which will then be vetoed by the president and then in all likelihood the veto will be upheld in the House,” he said.
Later this month, the Senate will vote on the resolution to prevent President Trump from reallocating, without Congress, billions of dollars to fund the construction of a Southern border wall. In February, President Trump announced that he would declare an emergency to build the wall after Congress passed legislation providing $1.3 billion for barriers. He plans to divert $3.6 billion from military construction of the wall and transfer another $3.1 billion towards the construction. As the New York Times reported, McConnell promised the president to support the declaration, signaling that he would quell any opposition to the measure.
More surprises here
Hillary: Wisconsonites 'Were Turned Away From the Polls Because of the Color of Their Skin, Because of Their Age...'
Hillary Clinton was among the featured speakers Sunday at a black church in Selma, Alabama, where parishioners held the annual "Bloody Sunday" civil rights observance.
Clinton suggested that voter suppression caused her to lose the 2016 election, something she's said before. And she blamed the U.S. Supreme Court for gutting the Voting Rights Act:
"I was the first person who ran for president without the protection of the Voting Rights Act," Clinton said.
"And I’ll tell you, it makes a really big difference. And it doesn’t just make a difference in Alabama and Georgia. It made a difference in Wisconsin, where the best studies that have been done said somewhere between 40,000 and 80,000 people were turned away from the polls because of the color of their skin, because of their age, because of whatever excuse could be made up to stop a fellow American citizen from voting."
More
Clinton suggested that voter suppression caused her to lose the 2016 election, something she's said before. And she blamed the U.S. Supreme Court for gutting the Voting Rights Act:
"I was the first person who ran for president without the protection of the Voting Rights Act," Clinton said.
"And I’ll tell you, it makes a really big difference. And it doesn’t just make a difference in Alabama and Georgia. It made a difference in Wisconsin, where the best studies that have been done said somewhere between 40,000 and 80,000 people were turned away from the polls because of the color of their skin, because of their age, because of whatever excuse could be made up to stop a fellow American citizen from voting."
More
Judge strikes down request to expedite case of ISIS bride
A federal judge struck down a request Monday to expedite the case of a woman who is begging to return to America after leaving years ago to join ISIS.
The setback for lawyers representing Hoda Muthana – whose father is suing the U.S. government over the matter – is the latest twist in a Transatlantic saga that has drawn the attention of President Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other high-ranking officials.
At a hearing Monday at the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, Muthana’s attorney Charles Swift argued that her proceedings should be sped up because Muthana is facing danger at a refugee camp in Syria where she currently is residing with her 18-month-old son.
But lawyers for the government say Muthana’s case is a “chain of speculation” since it’s not clear what the conditions at the camp are actually like – a sentiment agreed upon by Judge Reggie Walton.
"There hasn't been sufficient evidence shown to me,” Walton said, in regards to whether or not Muthana would face “irreparable harm” if the case is not fast-tracked.
Walton said the case will now “adhere to the normal flow of litigation.”
More
https://www.foxnews.com/us/hoda-muthana-case-pompeos-team-says-isis-bride-not-a-us-citizen-as-attorneys-face-off
The setback for lawyers representing Hoda Muthana – whose father is suing the U.S. government over the matter – is the latest twist in a Transatlantic saga that has drawn the attention of President Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other high-ranking officials.
At a hearing Monday at the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, Muthana’s attorney Charles Swift argued that her proceedings should be sped up because Muthana is facing danger at a refugee camp in Syria where she currently is residing with her 18-month-old son.
But lawyers for the government say Muthana’s case is a “chain of speculation” since it’s not clear what the conditions at the camp are actually like – a sentiment agreed upon by Judge Reggie Walton.
"There hasn't been sufficient evidence shown to me,” Walton said, in regards to whether or not Muthana would face “irreparable harm” if the case is not fast-tracked.
Walton said the case will now “adhere to the normal flow of litigation.”
More
https://www.foxnews.com/us/hoda-muthana-case-pompeos-team-says-isis-bride-not-a-us-citizen-as-attorneys-face-off
House Democrats' H.R. 1 is the ballot harvester's delight
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has cooked up something new for Monday morning, a so-called "sweeping anti-corruption package" communistically titled the "For the People Act." or H.R. 1, which pretty much seeks to bring the California model of politics to the rest of the states in terms of rigging elections. A more accurate title for this nasty brew would be the "Ballot Harvester's Delight Bill of 2019." Or as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell put it, "The Democrat Politician Protection Plan."
Here's how bad it is, according to center-left Axios:
The bill's key provisions:
Campaign finance: Create a small donor, matching-fund system for congressional and presidential candidates; expand the prohibition of foreign political donations; require super PACs and "dark money" political groups to make their donors public; and restructure the Federal Election Commission.
Ethics: Mandate that presidents and vice presidents release 10 years of their tax returns; create an ethics code for the Supreme Court; and bar members of Congress from serving on corporate boards.
Voting rights: Allow citizens to register to vote online and be registered automatically; require paper ballots in federal elections; make Election Day a federal holiday; prohibit voter roll purging; and end partisan gerrymandering by having independent commissions redraw congressional districts.
More
Here's how bad it is, according to center-left Axios:
The bill's key provisions:
Campaign finance: Create a small donor, matching-fund system for congressional and presidential candidates; expand the prohibition of foreign political donations; require super PACs and "dark money" political groups to make their donors public; and restructure the Federal Election Commission.
Ethics: Mandate that presidents and vice presidents release 10 years of their tax returns; create an ethics code for the Supreme Court; and bar members of Congress from serving on corporate boards.
Voting rights: Allow citizens to register to vote online and be registered automatically; require paper ballots in federal elections; make Election Day a federal holiday; prohibit voter roll purging; and end partisan gerrymandering by having independent commissions redraw congressional districts.
More
HHS Secretary Alex Azar calls for more dialysis at home rather than in clinics
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar proposed Monday that Medicare funding should support at-home dialysis treatments for patients with end-stage renal disease who do not receive the care they need at for-profit clinics.
“While peritoneal dialysis or home hemo may not be possible for absolutely everyone, they can often be more convenient, better for patients’ independence and self-sufficiency, and better for their physical health,” Azar said at an event hosted by the National Kidney Foundation in Washington.
Hemodialysis is a process in which a person’s blood goes through a filter in a machine, sometimes called an “artificial kidney.” The machine filters out waste from the blood, which is then returned to the person’s body, mirroring kidney function. Hemodialysis requires three treatments per week, about four hours for each treatment.
Peritoneal dialysis works similarly but can be done in the patient’s own home.
More here
“While peritoneal dialysis or home hemo may not be possible for absolutely everyone, they can often be more convenient, better for patients’ independence and self-sufficiency, and better for their physical health,” Azar said at an event hosted by the National Kidney Foundation in Washington.
Hemodialysis is a process in which a person’s blood goes through a filter in a machine, sometimes called an “artificial kidney.” The machine filters out waste from the blood, which is then returned to the person’s body, mirroring kidney function. Hemodialysis requires three treatments per week, about four hours for each treatment.
Peritoneal dialysis works similarly but can be done in the patient’s own home.
More here
AOC chief of staff accused of hiding more than $1 million in campaign cash
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s top aide illegally funneled campaign donations to two companies he owned, according to a complaint filed Monday with the Federal Elections Commission.
Saikat Chakrabarti set up Brand New Congress PAC to collect and bundle donations for newbie politicians including Ms. Ocasio-Cortez. He then diverted more than $1 million to two of his companies that did campaign work, skirting reporting requirements, said the complaint by National Legal and Policy Center.
“These are not minor or technical violations. We are talking about real money here,” said Tom Anderson, director of NLPC’s Government Integrity Project. “In all my years of studying FEC reports, I’ve never seen a more ambitious operation to circumvent reporting requirements.”
He added that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat, “has been quite vocal in condemning so-called dark money, but her own campaign went to great lengths to avoid the sunlight of disclosure.”
More
Saikat Chakrabarti set up Brand New Congress PAC to collect and bundle donations for newbie politicians including Ms. Ocasio-Cortez. He then diverted more than $1 million to two of his companies that did campaign work, skirting reporting requirements, said the complaint by National Legal and Policy Center.
“These are not minor or technical violations. We are talking about real money here,” said Tom Anderson, director of NLPC’s Government Integrity Project. “In all my years of studying FEC reports, I’ve never seen a more ambitious operation to circumvent reporting requirements.”
He added that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat, “has been quite vocal in condemning so-called dark money, but her own campaign went to great lengths to avoid the sunlight of disclosure.”
More
Rep. Nunes: Cohen Has No Classified Info, So Why the Closed-Door Hearings?
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen is returning for a second closed-door session with the House intelligence committee this week, something committee member Devin Nunes called "ridiculous."
It's all about Democrats' efforts to construct a "narrative," Nunes told "Sunday Morning Futures" with Maria Bartiromo.
"So, remember, he was in public with the Oversight Committee (last Wednesday). Then he came behind closed doors with us for no reason at all. This is not a man who has any classified information whatsoever.
"We interviewed him for some eight, nine hours. In fact, Republicans were pretty much done with interviewing after a couple of sessions. We didn't have any more questions to ask him. We're not sure why he's coming back, but he will be back this week, once again in a classified setting, for someone who has no classified information."
More here
It's all about Democrats' efforts to construct a "narrative," Nunes told "Sunday Morning Futures" with Maria Bartiromo.
"So, remember, he was in public with the Oversight Committee (last Wednesday). Then he came behind closed doors with us for no reason at all. This is not a man who has any classified information whatsoever.
"We interviewed him for some eight, nine hours. In fact, Republicans were pretty much done with interviewing after a couple of sessions. We didn't have any more questions to ask him. We're not sure why he's coming back, but he will be back this week, once again in a classified setting, for someone who has no classified information."
More here
Pro-Life Youth Organization Launched at Historically Black College
The largest pro-life youth organization in the United States has launched its first chapter at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
“It’s time that we spark this revolution to abolish abortion within the African-American community,” said Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America (SFLA), in an email letter to supporters as she introduced the group at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU).
In the video announcing the launch of SFLA at MVSU, black pro-life leaders speak about the significance of the pro-life movement, especially for African Americans.
Radiance Foundation founder Ryan Bomberger said the pro-life movement, in general, has been “so demonized by mainstream media.”
“It’s demonized by liberal politicians that they’ve made it look like it’s a white Republican issue,” he said.
“The leading killer in our black community is abortion,” said former NFL running back Willie Green.
In a study released last summer, researchers at the University of North Carolina revealed that induced abortion is responsible for 61 percent of deaths of black Americans.
More
“It’s time that we spark this revolution to abolish abortion within the African-American community,” said Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America (SFLA), in an email letter to supporters as she introduced the group at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU).
In the video announcing the launch of SFLA at MVSU, black pro-life leaders speak about the significance of the pro-life movement, especially for African Americans.
Radiance Foundation founder Ryan Bomberger said the pro-life movement, in general, has been “so demonized by mainstream media.”
“It’s demonized by liberal politicians that they’ve made it look like it’s a white Republican issue,” he said.
“The leading killer in our black community is abortion,” said former NFL running back Willie Green.
In a study released last summer, researchers at the University of North Carolina revealed that induced abortion is responsible for 61 percent of deaths of black Americans.
More
Ocasio-Cortez’s Mom Left New York Because of High Taxes
Blanca Ocasio-Cortez, the mother of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), said in a new interview that she moved from New York to Florida to pay less in taxes.
Blanca told the Daily Mail about the family's financial difficulties after her husband, Sergio, passed away, and how she faced foreclosure twice.
"It was scary," Blanca said. "I had to take medicine I was so scared. I had to stop paying for the mortgage for almost a year. I was expecting someone knocking on the door to kick me out at any time. There were even real estate people coming around to take photos of the house for when it was going to be auctioned. The worst is that I only had $50,000 left to pay on the loan."
Blanca eventually made a deal with the bank to avoid eviction.
"I was paying $10,000 a year in real estate taxes up north. I'm paying $600 a year in Florida. It's stress-free down here," Blanca added.
More
Blanca told the Daily Mail about the family's financial difficulties after her husband, Sergio, passed away, and how she faced foreclosure twice.
"It was scary," Blanca said. "I had to take medicine I was so scared. I had to stop paying for the mortgage for almost a year. I was expecting someone knocking on the door to kick me out at any time. There were even real estate people coming around to take photos of the house for when it was going to be auctioned. The worst is that I only had $50,000 left to pay on the loan."
Blanca eventually made a deal with the bank to avoid eviction.
"I was paying $10,000 a year in real estate taxes up north. I'm paying $600 a year in Florida. It's stress-free down here," Blanca added.
More
Google Employees Uncover Ongoing Work on Censored China Search
Google employees have carried out their own investigation into the company’s plan to launch a censored search engine for China and say they are concerned that development of the project remains ongoing, The Intercept can reveal.
Late last year, bosses moved engineers away from working on the controversial project, known as Dragonfly, and said that there were no current plans to launch it. However, a group of employees at the company was unsatisfied with the lack of information from leadership on the issue — and took matters into their own hands.
The group has identified ongoing work on a batch of code that is associated with the China search engine, according to three Google sources. The development has stoked anger inside Google offices, where many of the company’s 88,000 workforce previously protested against plans to launch the search engine, which was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion, and peaceful protest.
More
[But there is no outrage over 'de-boosting' and censoring conservatives in the U.S.? --Editor]
Late last year, bosses moved engineers away from working on the controversial project, known as Dragonfly, and said that there were no current plans to launch it. However, a group of employees at the company was unsatisfied with the lack of information from leadership on the issue — and took matters into their own hands.
The group has identified ongoing work on a batch of code that is associated with the China search engine, according to three Google sources. The development has stoked anger inside Google offices, where many of the company’s 88,000 workforce previously protested against plans to launch the search engine, which was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion, and peaceful protest.
More
[But there is no outrage over 'de-boosting' and censoring conservatives in the U.S.? --Editor]
Dershowitz: Ilhan Omar should be 'beaten in a primary by people who support the United States'
Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz on Monday called on Democrats to make sure controversial Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is defeated in the next primary because she continues to antagonize Jewish lawmakers and Jewish Americans.
"The Democrats must marginalize her and distance her from the center of the party," Dershowitz, who is Jewish, said on Fox News. "And I hope she'll be primaried, and she should be beaten in a primary by people who support the United States and people who support American allies, rather than people who support American enemies."
Omar has been accused of anti-Semitism after charging that the Jewish lobby has too much power over Congress. After House Democratic leaders demanded an apology, Omar apologized, but over the weekend continued to battle Jewish Democratic lawmakers.
Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., said Omar was wrong when she said Jewish lawmakers have an allegiance to a foreign country, Israel. But Omar replied, "Our democracy is built on debate, Congresswoman! I have not mis-characterized our relationship with Israel, I have questioned it and that has been clear from my end."
Dershowitz said Omar is misreading Lowey's support for a U.S. ally.
"For her to accuse Jewish members of Congress and non-Jewish members of Congress of dual loyalty because they support America's allies ... would you accuse somebody of dual loyalty if they supported England, if they supported France and other American allies?" Dershowitz asked.
More
"The Democrats must marginalize her and distance her from the center of the party," Dershowitz, who is Jewish, said on Fox News. "And I hope she'll be primaried, and she should be beaten in a primary by people who support the United States and people who support American allies, rather than people who support American enemies."
Omar has been accused of anti-Semitism after charging that the Jewish lobby has too much power over Congress. After House Democratic leaders demanded an apology, Omar apologized, but over the weekend continued to battle Jewish Democratic lawmakers.
Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., said Omar was wrong when she said Jewish lawmakers have an allegiance to a foreign country, Israel. But Omar replied, "Our democracy is built on debate, Congresswoman! I have not mis-characterized our relationship with Israel, I have questioned it and that has been clear from my end."
Dershowitz said Omar is misreading Lowey's support for a U.S. ally.
"For her to accuse Jewish members of Congress and non-Jewish members of Congress of dual loyalty because they support America's allies ... would you accuse somebody of dual loyalty if they supported England, if they supported France and other American allies?" Dershowitz asked.
More
Bernie Sanders Can’t Name Any Laws He’s Passed That Helped Black People
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) kicked off his presidential campaign last week but on Monday was unable to name any legislation he’s passed to help black Americans.
On "The Breakfast Club" radio show, co-host Charlemagne tha God asked Sanders what he had accomplished for black Americans, and Sanders answered by touting his activism as a student with the Congress of Racial Equality and his presence at the March on Washington. He also pointed out he supported Rev. Jesse Jackson for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988.
"I was one of the few white public officials who supported Jesse Jackson for president of the United States, and he ended up winning Vermont," Sanders said. "I think if you look at my record in terms of civil rights and other areas, you’ll find that it is consistently a very, very strong record."
"Any legislation you can point to?" asked Charlemagne tha God.
"Uh, well.."
On "The Breakfast Club" radio show, co-host Charlemagne tha God asked Sanders what he had accomplished for black Americans, and Sanders answered by touting his activism as a student with the Congress of Racial Equality and his presence at the March on Washington. He also pointed out he supported Rev. Jesse Jackson for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988.
"I was one of the few white public officials who supported Jesse Jackson for president of the United States, and he ended up winning Vermont," Sanders said. "I think if you look at my record in terms of civil rights and other areas, you’ll find that it is consistently a very, very strong record."
"Any legislation you can point to?" asked Charlemagne tha God.
"Uh, well.."
New poll shows Washington DC metro area one of the most ‘politically intolerant’ in the US
Researchers found the most politically intolerant Americans 'tend to be whiter, more highly educated, older, more urban and more partisan themselves.'
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — A new poll from The Atlantic and PredictWise – a polling and analytics firm – ranked counties in the United States based on partisan prejudice. They said they found the most politically intolerant Americans “tend to be whiter, more highly educated, older, more urban and more partisan themselves.”
The Atlantic reports their findings matched with that of University of Pennsylvania professor Diana Mutz, who found highly educated people are “relatively isolated from political diversity.” It is the phenomenon of the so-called echo chambers people find themselves in, avoiding or not encountering other people who disagree with them.
More
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — A new poll from The Atlantic and PredictWise – a polling and analytics firm – ranked counties in the United States based on partisan prejudice. They said they found the most politically intolerant Americans “tend to be whiter, more highly educated, older, more urban and more partisan themselves.”
The Atlantic reports their findings matched with that of University of Pennsylvania professor Diana Mutz, who found highly educated people are “relatively isolated from political diversity.” It is the phenomenon of the so-called echo chambers people find themselves in, avoiding or not encountering other people who disagree with them.
More
Election Integrity Toolkit
H.R. 1 is Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s signature piece of legislation for the 116th Congress. Deceptively titled “For the People Act,” its primary goal is to rig the election system in favor of Democratic politicians by undermining America’s electoral process.
Under H.R. 1, massive amounts of elections-related power would be transferred from the states to the federal government. The bill interferes with the ability of states and their citizens to determine qualifications for voters, to ensure the accuracy of voter registration rolls, to secure the integrity of elections, to participate in the political process, and to determine the district boundary lines for electing their representatives.
The end goal of H.R. 1 is clear—to enshrine into law dubious electoral practices that enable and encourage fraudulent behavior, such as ballot harvesting, false voter registrations, duplicate voting, and ineligible voting.
Heritage scholar and election expert Hans Von Spakovsky summarized the problems with H.R. 1 as such, "Sometimes legislation proposed by Congress is bad policy; sometimes it is unnecessary; and sometimes it is unconstitutional. H.R. 1 is all three."
At 600+ pages long, H.R. 1 contains many provisions that are unhelpful, unnecessary, and unconstitutional. Below are just a few of the terrible policies contained within of H.R. 1:
Sabotages state voter ID laws—When arriving at the polls, voters will not be required to show ID and can simply sign a statement in which they claim to be who they say they are. This undermines many states’ voter ID laws, which were enacted to combat impersonation fraud, voter registration fraud, duplicate voting, and voting by ineligible individuals, such as illegal aliens.
Mandates same-day registration—States will be required to immediately register a person to vote upon request, even on the day of an election. With no buffer-period to verify personal information, this provision could easily lead to voter fraud.
More
Under H.R. 1, massive amounts of elections-related power would be transferred from the states to the federal government. The bill interferes with the ability of states and their citizens to determine qualifications for voters, to ensure the accuracy of voter registration rolls, to secure the integrity of elections, to participate in the political process, and to determine the district boundary lines for electing their representatives.
The end goal of H.R. 1 is clear—to enshrine into law dubious electoral practices that enable and encourage fraudulent behavior, such as ballot harvesting, false voter registrations, duplicate voting, and ineligible voting.
Heritage scholar and election expert Hans Von Spakovsky summarized the problems with H.R. 1 as such, "Sometimes legislation proposed by Congress is bad policy; sometimes it is unnecessary; and sometimes it is unconstitutional. H.R. 1 is all three."
At 600+ pages long, H.R. 1 contains many provisions that are unhelpful, unnecessary, and unconstitutional. Below are just a few of the terrible policies contained within of H.R. 1:
Sabotages state voter ID laws—When arriving at the polls, voters will not be required to show ID and can simply sign a statement in which they claim to be who they say they are. This undermines many states’ voter ID laws, which were enacted to combat impersonation fraud, voter registration fraud, duplicate voting, and voting by ineligible individuals, such as illegal aliens.
Mandates same-day registration—States will be required to immediately register a person to vote upon request, even on the day of an election. With no buffer-period to verify personal information, this provision could easily lead to voter fraud.
More
Google Study to Address Wage Gap Finds Company Is Underpaying Men
A study conducted to address the alleged wage gap at Google found that in most cases, it was men who were being compensated less than their female peers.
Google was sued in 2017 by three former female employees, who claimed the Internet giant systematically discriminated against women by paying them less than men. A New York Times analysis found at the time that the company paid women less than men on average, but Google countered that the analysis was flawed because it did not take into account factors like tenure, location, or job performance.
Google found in the latest version of its annual pay analysis that "more men than women were receiving less money for doing similar work," the Times reported. As a result of the "surprising conclusion," the Times reports a disproportionate amount of the $9.7 million in additional compensation allotted to employees to address pay disparity will end up going to men.
Lauren Barbato, Google's lead analyst for pay equity, told the paper it was a "surprising trend that we didn’t expect." Ironically, the anti-male pay gap was likely the result of intentional efforts by Google to target female employees for increased discretionary funds the year prior.
More
Google was sued in 2017 by three former female employees, who claimed the Internet giant systematically discriminated against women by paying them less than men. A New York Times analysis found at the time that the company paid women less than men on average, but Google countered that the analysis was flawed because it did not take into account factors like tenure, location, or job performance.
Google found in the latest version of its annual pay analysis that "more men than women were receiving less money for doing similar work," the Times reported. As a result of the "surprising conclusion," the Times reports a disproportionate amount of the $9.7 million in additional compensation allotted to employees to address pay disparity will end up going to men.
Lauren Barbato, Google's lead analyst for pay equity, told the paper it was a "surprising trend that we didn’t expect." Ironically, the anti-male pay gap was likely the result of intentional efforts by Google to target female employees for increased discretionary funds the year prior.
More
Public presentation of Pirate’s Wharf history scheduled for Wednesday
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.