THE WEEKEND DISPATCH
Edition, September 24-30, 2023: Interview Special
Welcome to The Weekend Dispatch. Our digital newspaper, covering a wide range of cultural & political news.
This week is a double issue, with a full length interview, be sure to read:
“Defeating the Swamp and A Blue-State State of Mind ”
An Interview with Congressional Candidate Nate Cain WV-2.
We welcome any feedback to make your experience more enjoyable.
Send any feedback to Editor@WCdispatch.com
DISPATCH DIRECTORY:
→DISPATCH EXTRAS
→Right On Que
→Trump Forces Biden to the Pickett Line:
→RFK Jr. Calls Out Biden's Border Policy, Urges Bipartisan Unity:
Clinton Foundation Among NGOs Operating from Old U.S. Base in Panama
Trudeau's Parliament: Where Even a Nazi Can Get a Standing Ovation
OHIO NEWS
Ohio Supreme Court's Surprising Decision to Hear 6-Week Abortion Ban Case: A Tactical Misstep for Pro-Life Advocates?
September 29th 2023:
In a move that has surprised many, the Ohio Supreme Court on heard arguments on the state's controversial 6-week abortion ban this week. While the court's decision to hear the case may seem like a victory for pro-life advocates, it could actually be a tactical misstep, especially considering the upcoming November ballot issue that could enshrine abortion rights in the Ohio constitution.
The case before the Ohio Supreme Court revolves around whether doctors and providers who challenged the 6-week abortion ban had the legal standing to do so, and whether the county court had the authority to block the law. The state argues that it can appeal the county court's ruling because it has an interest in "vindicating the law." Lawyers for the doctors and providers counter that they do have legal standing and that the county court's authority is valid, pointing out that courts in 21 other states have upheld providers' rights to bring lawsuits against abortion bans.
The Timing Issue
What makes the timing of this case particularly interesting is the upcoming November ballot issue in Ohio. Voters will have the chance to decide whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. If passed, this would make the 6-week abortion ban unconstitutional. The court's decision to hear the case now, rather than after the November ballot, could energize the pro-choice base, bolstering fundraising and voter turnout in favor of the constitutional amendment.
While the court is only looking at technical standing questions and not the constitutionality of the 6-week ban itself, the ruling will have significant implications for abortion access in Ohio. If the court rules against the doctors and providers, the 6-week abortion ban could be reinstated, as it was last summer. However, this could also galvanize pro-choice advocates to rally around the November ballot issue, potentially leading to the enshrinement of abortion rights in the Ohio constitution.
A Tactical Consideration
For those who believe in the Right to Life, the tactical move might have been to delay this case until after the November ballot. The current timing could inadvertently strengthen the pro-choice movement, making it more challenging to prevent the enshrinement of abortion rights in the state constitution.
In summary, while the Ohio Supreme Court's decision to hear the case may appear to be a win for pro-life advocates, the timing could prove to be a tactical error. With the November ballot looming, the court's ruling could have unintended consequences that tip the scales in favor of pro-choice advocates.
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Ohio Senate GOP Launches "On The Record": A Direct Line to the People
September 29th, 2023:
In a move that reflects the growing distrust between conservative politicians and mainstream media, the Ohio Senate GOP has launched a new online newsroom called "On The Record." This platform aims to bypass what they describe as the left-wing filters of mainstream media, allowing them to communicate directly with the public.
The Ohio Senate GOP accuses mainstream media outlets of pushing "narratives instead of news," claiming that Ohio's major newspapers often read like "Democratic Party press releases." They argue that conservative state senators face "woke gatekeepers" and extra standards designed to silence them. Examples were provided where outlets like the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Columbus Dispatch either refused to publish or edited GOP editorials.
The GOP believes that the media is setting unacceptable terms on what elected officials can say publicly. "On The Record" promises to provide facts and views that are uncensored and unfiltered. The platform also criticizes modern journalism as overly partisan, unlike the past, and blames this bias for the drop in subscriptions and ratings.
We would like to take a moment to thank our own readers for turning to non-mainstream sources like ours for their news. Your trust encourages us to continue providing you with unbiased and unfiltered information. We're pleased to announce that we've reached out to John Fortney, a key figure behind "On The Record," and you can expect to see an interview with him in our pages in the coming weeks.
"On The Record" urges readers to share their stories to spread their perspective beyond mainstream narratives. This is a call to action for conservatives who feel that their voices are being stifled by mainstream media bias.
The launch of "On The Record" is part of a growing trend where politicians and public figures are taking control of their own narratives, bypassing traditional media outlets. This is becoming increasingly important as more and more people turn to non-mainstream sources for their news each week.
The Ohio Senate GOP's new platform is a significant step in combating what they see as a biased media landscape. It offers a direct line of communication between elected officials and the public, free from the constraints and filters of mainstream media.
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AMERICAN HEADLINES
CULTURE
The Culture of Fear
September 26th, 2023:
This summer, the mainstream media seemed to be on a relentless mission to spotlight the "climate crisis." From heatwaves to hurricanes, any weather event that even remotely piqued interest was given extensive coverage. One can't help but wonder: why did these stories dominate the headlines so frequently? What made them newsworthy enough to warrant near-daily reporting?
A largely unpublicized poll from the Associated Press (AP) and the Energy Policy Institute (EPI) offers some intriguing insights into this narrative push. Conducted back in April, the poll reveals a significant shift in public opinion that might explain the media's fervor. According to the data, the percentage of the population that believes climate change is driven by human activity has actually decreased substantially over the past five years. In 2018, 60% of respondents held this view; fast forward to 2023, and that number has dropped to 49%.
That's a significant drop indeed. But the decline in overall belief in human-caused climate change isn't the only revelation from the AP and EPI poll. The data also uncovers a stark partisan divide when it comes to attributing extreme weather events to climate change.
According to the poll, Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to believe that major climate issues are the result of extreme weather events. A substantial 70% of Democrats hold this view, compared to just 30% of Republicans. This wide margin highlights not just a difference in opinion, but a fundamental divide in how each group perceives and interprets the same set of events.
This divergence in belief systems raises important questions about the role of media coverage in shaping public opinion, and whether the intense focus on the "climate crisis" this summer was an attempt to sway the narrative in a particular direction.
These climate-related statistics are just the tip of the iceberg, pointing to a broader trend that has been permeating our culture for some time—a trend that leaves many conservatives and Republicans puzzled about the nation's current state. This trend is the culture of fear, perpetuated by the constant discussion of one crisis after another.
While the numbers from the AP and EPI poll specifically address climate change, it's not a stretch to extend this data to the broader cultural and media landscape. If 70% of Democrats are swayed by scientific experts and another 70% are influenced by extreme weather events—or major national news stories—then it's reasonable to argue that the media pushes these narratives to continually shape Democratic opinion.
This creates a culture of fear, allowing media outlets to control the issues that concern their party's base. It's a potent tool for shaping public discourse and steering the national conversation in a direction that aligns with particular viewpoints. This isn't just about climate change; it's about how narratives are crafted and propagated to maintain a state of perpetual crisis, keeping the public in a constant state of alert and concern.
The significant drop in the percentage of the population believing that climate change is caused by human activity, as revealed by the AP and EPI poll, sheds light on the media's incessant coverage of climate-related events over the summer. The data also reveals a calculated strategy. Shedding light on how the media leverages these narratives, because they have been shown to hold considerable influence over Democratic opinion.
By emphasizing crises such as extreme weather events, the media goes beyond simple reporting to actively influence a significant segment of their audience. This perpetuates a culture of fear and allows them to sustain the narrative that their party is advocating.
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Elon Addresses Anti-Semitism on X/Twitter
September 28th, 2023:
In a recent live discussion, Elon Musk tackled the Anti-Defamation League's allegations against him head-on. Joined by Ben Shapiro and a group of rabbis, the conversation wasn't just a defense of Musk but a broader discussion on the state of free speech, anti-Semitism, and the undue influence of progressive interest groups like the ADL.
Musk acknowledged that his platform, X, has a list of "bad words" that are not safe for advertising, including terms that are anti-Semitic in nature. "If a post contains those, it can be deboosted in the algorithm," he explained. However, he also emphasized the value of not being draconian in implementing these rules, suggesting that it could encourage people to change their minds.
He pointed out that advertisers are "very skittish" and can be easily scared away by a single article in a medium-sized newspaper. Musk proposed a nuanced approach, suggesting different degrees of advertiser safety and even the possibility of cheaper advertising next to NSFW posts.
When Shapiro asked about the phrase "freedom of speech, not freedom of reach," Musk explained that they are trying to deal with this algorithmically. "If we show people content that makes them want to leave X and hammer them with hate speech, they won't like that," he said.
Musk was clear that X's policy is to deny government censorship to the extent allowed by law. He noted that most of the pressure comes from far-left activist groups, highlighting the undue influence these organizations have on public discourse.
Discussing the demonetization of Russel Brand, Musk advocated for an "innocent until proven guilty" approach, emphasizing the importance of due process.
Musk stated that the goal of acquiring X was to turn it into a force for good for civilization. He acknowledged that the acquisition was financially dubious and would attract criticism but emphasized that the ultimate goal is to increase positive speech and be a positive force for civilization.
In a significant moment, renown legal scholar and professor Alan Dershowitz praised Elon Musk, agreeing that he is not anti-Semitic and lauding X's achievement of being the world's 'only platform with true free speech.'
Though Dershowitz also pointed out that X needs to be fair to both the left and the right. Musk agreed, stating that before the acquisition, Twitter was very left-leaning. "In moving towards a system that is more inclusive, that is technically moving right—but in reality, moving to the center," he said.
The discussion was a robust defense of free speech and a critical examination of the undue influence of organizations like the ADL. It's high time we start questioning the power these groups wield over public discourse and advertising dollars. Musk's conversation with Shapiro and the rabbis was a step in the right direction, offering a nuanced take on complex issues that often get reduced to sound bites and headlines.
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POLITICS
The Biden Administration's September Surge: An Unprecedented Expansion of Federal Power
September 27th, 2023:
In a single month, the Biden Administration has made sweeping moves that signal an unprecedented expansion of federal power, raising serious concerns about the erosion of individual freedoms and states' rights. Just this September, the administration has announced the establishment of the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a new domestic terrorism organization, and a Climate Corps. These initiatives, while framed as solutions to pressing issues, reveal a radical agenda that could have far-reaching implications for Americans.
The Domestic Terrorism Organization
First on the list is the Biden-Harris Administration's continued implementation of the first-ever U.S. National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism. Despite the fact that domestic terrorism cases are exceedingly rare, the administration has aggressively expanded its efforts in this area. Notably, the administration has doubled the number of FBI domestic terrorism cases and formed a new domestic terrorism unit within the Department of Justice's National Security Division.
This expansion is particularly troubling given recent revelations that the FBI has labeled Traditional Catholics as domestic terrorists. The question that arises is: who exactly is this new organization targeting? The rapid and seemingly indiscriminate expansion of federal power in this area not only raises concerns about potential overreach but also poses serious questions about the infringement of civil liberties and the misuse of federal resources.
The Climate Corps
Next on the agenda is the Biden Administration's Climate Corps, a federal initiative ostensibly designed to tackle environmental issues. While the concept of environmental stewardship is indeed noble, the creation of this federal entity is a glaring example of the administration's proclivity for centralizing power and expanding the scope of government. This move is particularly concerning as it threatens to overshadow and potentially undermine private sector solutions and local government initiatives, which are often more effective, efficient, and responsive to the unique needs of individual communities.
Moreover, this initiative bears an unsettling resemblance to FDR's failed policies, which were also rooted in corporatism and big government solutions. Given the historical precedent, the Climate Corps seems less like a genuine effort to address environmental concerns and more like another doomed-to-fail government program that will likely waste taxpayer dollars while achieving little to no tangible results.
The Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Finally, we come to President Biden's most recent announcement: the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. While the office, overseen by Vice President Harris, purports to aim at reducing gun violence, its methods are deeply concerning for those who value the Second Amendment. The administration's proposed measures, such as banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as implementing universal background checks, are nothing short of an assault on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.
This is not merely an initiative to reduce gun violence; it's a calculated move to further restrict Americans' freedoms under the guise of safety. It's yet another example of the Biden Administration's relentless push to expand federal power at the expense of individual liberties. This office, along with the other initiatives rolled out this month, paints a clear picture of an administration hell-bent on a radical agenda that is not only expanding the government but also undermining the very foundations of our constitutional rights.
The Biden Administration's actions in September alone reveal a radical agenda aimed at expanding federal power at the expense of individual freedoms and states' rights. While these initiatives are presented as solutions to real problems, they also represent a significant ideological shift that will have long-lasting implications for the American way of life. It's crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and question the continual expansion of government under the guise of crisis management.
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Impeachment Inquiry Intensifies: Biden's Home Address Linked to Chinese Funds
September 27th, 2023:
The impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden has taken a significant turn with the revelation of wire transfers linked to his home address in Wilmington, DE. According to information available to the Committee, two wire transfers from China were made to Hunter Biden, Joe Biden's son, for amounts of $250,000 and $10,000. What makes these transactions particularly alarming is that they list Joe Biden's home as the beneficiary address.
This revelation raises serious questions about Joe Biden's involvement in his son's business dealings, especially given the timeline of events. Joe Biden announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election on April 25, 2019. Just months later, on July 26, 2019, Wang Xin wired $10,000 with Joe Biden's home listed on the wire. This was followed by a $250,000 wire from Jonathan Li on August 2, 2019.
It's worth noting that Joe Biden has had a long-standing relationship with Jonathan Li. Devon Archer, a business associate of the Bidens, revealed that Joe Biden met with Li for coffee in Beijing, China, had phone conversations with him, and even wrote college recommendation letters for Li's children. This relationship dates back to Biden's time as Vice President, from 2009 to 2017.
Adding another layer of complexity to this situation is a statement made by George Mesires, Hunter Biden's lawyer, on October 13, 2019. Mesires claimed that Hunter Biden served with BHR, the company associated with Jonathan Li, "only as a member of its board of directors," and that it was an "unpaid position." This statement contradicts the wire transfers and raises questions about the Biden family's financial ties to China.
During a presidential debate on October 22, 2020, Joe Biden stated, "My son has not made money [...] in China." However, the wire transfers with his home address listed as the beneficiary directly challenge this claim.
At this point, the evidence appears to be mounting against Joe Biden. Wire transfers don't lie, and the fact that his home address is listed as the beneficiary of these transactions is damning. Any Republicans still on the fence about impeachment are simply wasting Americans' time. The question is no longer whether Joe Biden was involved in these business dealings, but how deep this involvement goes and what it means for his presidency.
→Right On Cue: Just as damning wire transfer evidence emerges in the impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, a New York judge delivers a major blow to Donald Trump, ruling that he and his family business committed fraud through false property valuations. This early win for NY Attorney General Letitia James could severely hamper the Trump Organization's operations in New York, as the judge ordered the cancellation of Trump's business certificates. Set for trial next week, James is seeking $250 million in financial penalties. While Trump denies the allegations, the timing of this legal setback raises questions about its convenient distraction from Biden's own glaring corruption issues.
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The White House's Hypocrisy on Freedom of the Press
September 29th, 2023:
In a recent statement that can only be described as the epitome of irony, the White House criticized former President Donald Trump for his comments about using presidential powers to go after NBC News. White House Senior Communications Advisor Andrew Bates emailed the statement to Mediaite, declaring that "Freedom of the press is a fundamental Constitutional right" and that abusing presidential power against reporters would be an "outrageous attack on our democracy and the rule of law."
While the statement itself may sound noble, it's laughable coming from an administration that has been embroiled in controversies related to free speech and the First Amendment. The Biden administration is currently in court for censoring Americans on social media platforms like Facebook. Moreover, recent files released by Elon Musk revealed that Twitter had been actively working with the administration to censor Republican voices.
The audacity of the White House to criticize Trump for his comments on the press is staggering, especially when one considers the ongoing legal battles that put the Biden administration's commitment to the First Amendment into serious question. Let's not forget the unprecedented steps taken to investigate and prosecute Trump, their primary political opponent, a direct assault on the democratic process.
The statement from the White House also conveniently ignores the fact that the Obama administration, under which Biden served as Vice President, was notorious for prosecuting whistleblowers and journalists under the Espionage Act. The act was used to prosecute more people for leaking information to the media than all previous administrations combined. So much for "defending Americans' freedoms."
The White House's statement is a glaring example of the "do as I say, not as I do" mentality that has become all too common in American politics. While the Biden administration is quick to point fingers at Trump for his comments, they should perhaps take a long, hard look in the mirror and evaluate their own actions that have stifled free speech and undermined the very democracy they claim to protect.
This statement serves as a stark reminder that when it comes to defending the Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees, actions speak louder than words. And so far, the actions of the Biden administration have been anything but consistent with the lofty ideals they espouse.
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Hillary Clinton's Alternate Reality: Russia, Russia, Russia!
September 28th, 2023:
In a recent interview that can only be described as a trip down the rabbit hole, Hillary Clinton sat down with former White House press secretary Jen Psaki to discuss, among other things, her favorite topic: how she was robbed of the presidency in 2016 by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yes, you read that right. In the year 2023, Clinton is still peddling the thoroughly debunked narrative of Russian interference as the reason for her loss to Donald Trump.
The interview took place on Psaki's MSNBC show, where the two discussed the possibility of Putin interfering in the 2024 elections. Clinton, never one to miss an opportunity to relive her 2016 defeat, asserted there was "no doubt" that Putin had interfered in the election. She went on to claim that Putin "hates democracy," "hates the West," and "especially hates us."
But wait, there's more. Clinton also claimed that Putin worked hard to ensure she didn't win the presidency because he wanted to "expand his reach" and seize more territory. "Part of the reason he worked so hard against me is because he didn't think that he wanted me in the White House," she said. A truly hilarious notion given that it was only under Trump that Putin did not actually expand his territory. One can't help but wonder if Clinton's next revelation will be that Putin was also responsible for her email woes.
In a world where facts still matter, multiple investigations have found no evidence to support the claim that Russian interference had a material impact on the 2016 election outcome. Yet, Clinton continues to live in an alternate reality where she was the rightful winner, and everyone else is just too naive to see it.
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Trump Skips, Candidates Slip: The Second GOP Debate's Self-Inflicted Wounds
September 29th, 2023:
If you tuned into the second GOP debate hoping for a substantive discussion on policy and vision, you were sorely disappointed. The event was less a debate and more a cacophony of political mudslinging, awkward moments, and cringe-worthy one-liners. Donald Trump, in a strategic move that's becoming his signature, skipped the debate altogether. And who could blame him? The candidates did more to hurt themselves than any absence from Trump could have achieved.
Vivek, who was attacked by multiple candidates, had a couple of good moments when he commented on transgender issues. He stated clearly that transgenderism in children is a mental health disorder and that affirming these children is not compassionate but cruel. While this stance may be controversial, it was one of the few moments where a candidate took a clear position on a complex issue.
Ron DeSantis emerged as one of the stronger candidates, directly challenging Donald Trump's spending record. He promised to use his veto power if elected, positioning himself as a fiscally responsible choice for president. Whether he can close the gap in the polls remains to be seen, but he certainly stood out in a field of lackluster performances.
Nikki Haley came off as overly aggressive, particularly during her rant against Vivek. She even stated that she "feels dumber every time he speaks." This was a low point in the debate, as Vivek is many things—young, perhaps arrogant—but stupid is not one of them.
As for The Electric Doug Burgum, he was more energetic this time around, likely due to painkillers for his torn Achilles. But let's be honest, he needs to drop out. His campaign is going nowhere, and his presence on stage only adds to the chaos.
Chris Christie's sole reason for being on stage seemed to be to call Donald Trump "Donald Duck," a moment that will go down as one of the most awkward in political history. Not to be outdone, Mike Pence failed to land a joke that Biden should be on the unemployment line, adding another cringe-worthy moment to the night.
The worst part of the debate was the moderators' inability to control the flow of discussion. The mics were left on, leading to crosstalk and illegible speech. Fox News needs to seriously reconsider its debate organization if it wants to maintain any credibility. The field of candidates needs to be culled before the next debate, and someone needs to pressure Donald Trump to show up. But with a 40+ point lead in the polls, that seems unlikely. In the end, the second GOP debate was a lesson in how not to conduct a political debate, and the candidates have no one to blame but themselves.
→Trump Sends Biden to the Pickett Line: In a strategic move that's turning heads, former President Donald Trump skipped the second GOP debate to address auto-workers in Michigan, aiming to siphon off union support from Joe Biden. In a highly controversial countermove, Biden took to the picket lines himself, raising ethical questions about the sitting president's involvement in union matters for political gain. This chess match between Trump and Biden over the union vote could be a game-changer for the 2024 presidential race.
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STATE POLITICS
Texas GOP Revolts: Calls for Speaker's Resignation and Abbott's Accountability
September 29th, 2023:
Texas is currently embroiled in a political maelstrom that has left the state's GOP in disarray. The acquittal of Attorney General Ken Paxton has led to a call for the resignation of Speaker Dade Phelan, while Governor Greg Abbott is under fire for his involvement in the controversial Colony Ridge housing development.
Colony Ridge, a housing project catering to illegal immigrants, has been funded by a significant donor to Abbott. The development has raised eyebrows, especially as it advertises to immigrants without Social Security numbers or credit, offering owner-financed lots. The area has even been linked to Mexican drug cartels in the past. Local schools are also feeling the strain, with a surge in enrollment from immigrant children stretching resources thin. Some have compared the conditions in Colony Ridge to the substandard "colonias" found along the border.
In response to the Colony Ridge situation, the Texas GOP passed a unanimous 61-0 resolution calling for legislation to prevent more such settlements. A local group is also pushing for legislation to halt further developments like Colony Ridge, particularly as illegal border crossings remain high. The party is urging the state Attorney General to investigate the activities of the developers.
The Republican Party of Texas has also voted overwhelmingly, 58-2, for a resolution calling on Speaker Dade Phelan to resign. The resolution condemns Phelan for pushing an impeachment vote against AG Paxton and for appointing nine Democrats as committee chairs, against the wishes of the GOP. It accuses Phelan of ignoring or undermining Republican priorities, including border security. The resolution also calls for new House leadership ahead of upcoming special sessions to ensure that conservative goals are met.
Phelan, for his part, has refused to resign and continues to defend his actions, including the impeachment vote against Paxton. However, the lopsided vote and subsequent statements from party members indicate a substantial level of dissatisfaction with Phelan's leadership. The resolution even calls for House Republicans to vote to remove Phelan as Speaker if he doesn't voluntarily step down.
AG Paxton has also weighed in, calling for Phelan's resignation and labeling the impeachment proceedings against him as a "politically motivated sham." Paxton emphasized the need for serious, conservative leadership in the upcoming special sessions.
The political turmoil in Texas comes at a critical time. With a worsening border crisis and internal strife within the GOP, the Lone Star State is at a crossroads. The actions taken in the coming weeks could very well shape the political landscape of Texas for years to come.
→RFK Jr. Calls Out Biden's Border Policy, Urges Bipartisan Unity: In a recent press conference in Austin, Texas, Democratic Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. addressed the ongoing border crisis, calling it a humanitarian disaster exacerbated by the Biden administration's policies. Kennedy criticized the issuance of work permits to 470,000 Venezuelan immigrants, stating it sends the wrong message while the border remains insecure. He also revealed alarming statistics, noting that since Biden's election, 7 million immigrants have crossed the border illegally, compared to 3.1 million who arrived legally. Kennedy urged for bipartisan unity to secure the borders before discussing work permits or amnesty programs. He emphasized that the crisis is not only affecting border towns but is also overwhelming cities across the country, straining social services and undercutting wages for the working poor.
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Glenn Youngkin's Battle for Virginia Schools: A Triumph Against Radical Ideology
September 28th 2023:
In the wake of Governor Glenn Youngkin's election, Virginia has become a battleground state for education reform, particularly against radical gender ideology and racially discriminatory policies. Youngkin's victory has emboldened parents and conservative groups to take action, and the results are already evident.
The principal of Thomas Jefferson High School ignited a firestorm in June 2020 when he criticized the school's lack of diversity and proposed removing its mascot. This led to a surge of activism among Asian immigrant parents, who felt that changes to the school's merit-based admissions process were discriminatory against their children. The school board's adoption of a "holistic" admissions process in December 2020 led to a decrease in Asian enrollment, prompting parents to form the Coalition for TJ. They sued the school board for racial discrimination against Asians, and in a landmark ruling in February 2022, a federal judge declared the new admissions policy unconstitutional and illegal "racial balancing."
In addition to the Coalition for TJ, other conservative parent groups have emerged, such as Clean Up Samuels, which aims to ban books with LGBT themes from Virginia libraries. Nationwide, efforts by conservative parents rights groups to ban books have surged, with over 3,300 bans this school year alone. Virginia school boards have become political hotbeds since Youngkin's election, attracting right-wing, anti-LGBT candidates who support book bans. These races have become contentious, drawing big donors and even leading to mudslinging campaigns.
Moms for Liberty, a strong coalition of conservative mothers, has endorsed candidates and is emerging as a GOP kingmaker in Virginia. On the other side, progressive groups are planning to spend millions to support opposing candidates over the next two years. However, nonpartisan groups are urging a refocus on finances, policy, and student success rather than political furor.
Asian parents, who have embraced their role as "mama bears" fighting for their children, played a significant role in electing Youngkin, who supports merit-based admissions. Despite ongoing appeals against court wins, the parent-led movement against racially discriminatory policies is growing nationwide. In a significant development, a leader of the parent group was recently appointed by Youngkin to the state Board of Education.
Governor Glenn Youngkin's election has galvanized parents and conservative groups to challenge radical ideologies in Virginia schools. With court victories and growing parent-led movements, Youngkin is making strides in fulfilling his promise to bring common sense back to Virginia's education system. The question now is not if, but how much more, will be achieved under his leadership.
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The High Cost of Open Doors: NYC's Migrant Housing Crisis
September 28th, 2023:
New York City is facing a crisis of its own making as it extends its contract with local hotels to house migrants for up to three more years. The staggering added cost of over $1 billion is raising eyebrows, even among some Democrats. The revised contract's total cost is projected to be $1.365 billion, nearly five times the original deal. This will cover rental fees for more than 100 hotels that have been converted into emergency migrant shelters.
But the financial burden doesn't stop there. This cost doesn't even include the expenses for city facilities and other sites that are housing homeless asylum seekers, who are pouring into the Big Apple by the thousands every week. Critics argue that this contract extension is nothing more than a taxpayer giveaway, creating a "financial boondoggle" that the city can ill afford. Nicole Gelinas of The Manhattan Institute has criticized the city for not seeking competing bids that could lower costs, effectively creating a "monopoly" with the hotel industry.
Democratic Queens Councilman Robert Holden has also called for fiscal responsibility, questioning the wisdom of extending the contract. He suggests that it sends the wrong message about the city's intentions to reduce the migrant population. Meanwhile, the city's Department of Social Services/Homeless Services has defended the extension, stating that it provides the flexibility to scale back or terminate the contract if circumstances change. However, it remains unclear if this hotel contract is part of Mayor Eric Adams' estimated total cost of $12 billion for the migrant crisis over the next three years.
Adding fuel to the fire, videos have emerged showing NYC residents being arrested for blocking buses filled with migrants as they enter the city. This comes as governors from red states have begun sending busloads of migrants into sanctuary cities across the country, including New York. This tactic has been effective in highlighting the disaster unfolding at the southern border and should serve as a wake-up call for blue states.
Scott Adams has gone on record stating that New York City is being destroyed by this surge of immigration. Given the current trajectory, his prediction doesn't seem far-fetched. The city is already grappling with a myriad of issues exacerbated by this immigration policy, and unless there is a significant course correction, the financial and social fabric of New York City is at serious risk.
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INTERNATIONAL
Smartmatic Indictment in the Philippines: A Blow to Its Credibility?
September 29th, 2023:
In a stunning turn of events, Smartmatic, the voting technology company currently suing Fox News over claims related to the 2020 U.S. election, finds itself embroiled in a bribery scandal in the Philippines. According to a CNN report, the Justice Department has filed charges against a former Filipino election official, naming Smartmatic executives as uncharged co-conspirators in the case. While Smartmatic vehemently denies any wrongdoing and insists that these allegations have no bearing on election security, the indictment could have far-reaching implications.
The timing of this indictment is particularly noteworthy, as Smartmatic is currently suing Fox News, Trump allies, and other parties for defamation, alleging that false claims were made about its voting machines rigging the 2020 U.S. election. The defendants in that case have argued that Smartmatic has concerning foreign ties and involvement in overseas elections, a claim that this new indictment could potentially substantiate.
According to new court documents, Smartmatic executives are alleged to have funneled $4 million in bribes through slush funds and fake contracts. The former Filipino official who awarded significant contracts to Smartmatic has denied the bribery allegations. While no claims of election tampering have been made against Smartmatic in this criminal case, the bribery allegations could serve as a significant defense for Fox News. The network could argue that Smartmatic's reputation was already tarnished, thereby challenging the notion that Fox News is responsible for any business losses the company may have incurred.
As the legal battles continue, this indictment raises serious questions about Smartmatic's operations and integrity. It also lends credence to concerns that have been raised about the company's involvement in elections, both domestic and international. While the indictment does not directly address the validity of the 2020 U.S. election, it does cast a shadow over Smartmatic's credibility, potentially affecting ongoing defamation lawsuits and public perception. At the very least, it adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious debate surrounding election integrity in the United States.
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Clinton Foundation Among NGOs Operating from Old U.S. Base in Panama
September 29th, 2023:
In a startling revelation, an old U.S. military base in Panama has been found to be a hub for various NGOs, including the Clinton Foundation, that are aiding migrants on their journey to the United States. The discovery was made by Ben Bergquam, who has raised serious concerns about the role these organizations are playing in the ongoing migrant crisis at the U.S. southern border.
The former U.S. Army base has been transformed into a center housing multiple leftist NGOs. These organizations are not only providing logistical support to migrants but are also facilitating their movement northward, effectively aiding what some are calling an "invasion" of the United States. The base has become a focal point for groups that appear to be working in concert to assist migrants, raising questions about the legality and ethics of such operations.
The United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (OIM) are among the other organizations that have been implicated in these activities. Calls are growing louder for these entities to be defunded and investigated for what is being described as the "largest human trafficking operation in history."
The discovery of this NGO hub in Panama adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught issue of immigration in the United States. It also raises questions about the extent to which external organizations are influencing and exacerbating the crisis at the U.S. border. With the migrant situation showing no signs of abating, the role of these NGOs and their activities in Panama could become a significant point of contention in the broader debate over immigration policy and border security.
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Trudeau's Parliament: Where Even a Nazi Can Get a Standing Ovation
September 28th, 2023:
In a move that could only be described as a political facepalm heard around the world, Canada's Parliament recently gave a standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old man who fought for a Nazi unit in World War II. The applause came after House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota introduced him as a "hero" during a visit by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Now, we all know Justin Trudeau has been accused of many things, but this takes the cake. As the rumored son of Fidel Castro—another dictator who knew a thing or two about oppressive regimes—Trudeau must have felt a sense of accomplishment. Finally, a fascist dictator gets some cheers in his own government!
Speaker Rota later said he was unaware of Mr. Hunka's Nazi ties and regretted his decision to invite him. Calls for his resignation have been echoing ever since. Trudeau, who is a member of the same Liberal Party as Rota, told reporters that the incident was "deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians." You don't say, Justin?
During World War II, Mr. Hunka served in the 14th Waffen-SS Grenadier Division, a unit made up mostly of ethnic Ukrainians under Nazi command. While the unit has not been found guilty of war crimes by a tribunal, it's safe to say that giving a standing ovation to anyone with ties to Nazi Germany is a bad look.
The incident has implications beyond Canada's borders. Poland's ambassador to Canada voiced his anger, expecting an apology for "whitewashing such villains." Even Russia chimed in, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling the incident "outrageous."
But let's not forget the comedic gold that this situation offers. Trudeau, who has been known for his own share of political blunders, now has to navigate the fallout from this international embarrassment. It's like watching a sitcom where the characters keep making worse and worse decisions, except this isn't fiction—it's Canadian politics.
So, what's the lesson here? Well, if you're going to give someone a standing ovation in Parliament, maybe do a quick Google search first. And for Trudeau, perhaps it's time to reflect on the kind of "heroes" you're applauding. After all, if the son of Fidel Castro can't recognize a dictator when he sees one, who can?
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INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE
In our latest exclusive interview, we sat down with congressional candidate Nate Cain to discuss his vision for a better America and his home state of West Virginia. The interview, aptly titled "Defeating the Swamp, and a Blue-State State of Mind," delves into the urgent need to hold corrupt officials accountable and the glaring issues with our current law enforcement system.
Cain passionately talks about the idea of restoring a citizens' grand jury and citizens' militia as innovative ways to enforce the law and bring corrupt public officials to justice. He also sheds light on the lingering blue-state mentality in West Virginia, where some residents still cling to Democratic policies despite their detrimental effects on the state.
The interview emphasizes the importance of authentic candidates who are willing to fight against the influence of the swamp in Washington, D.C. Cain also discusses the crucial role that the church must play in standing up for its values and fighting against tyrannical leaders.
One of the key takeaways is the need to overhaul the old system, especially in critical areas like education and energy policy. Cain argues for more state control over these sectors to better serve the needs of West Virginians.
Don't miss this compelling conversation that tackles some of the most pressing issues facing our nation today. Be sure to give it a read!
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Outstanding issue!