Ten Questions for the ‘Squad’ (Also called by Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana "whack jobs").

National Review
Now that they’re doing interviews again, journalists should get some crucial information.

From left to right: Ayanna Pressley (D, Mass.), Ilhan Omar (D, Minn.), Rashida Tlaib (D, Mich.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D, N.Y.)

"Democratic infighting reached a fever pitch last week with bickering and personal attacks between members of the “Squad” and other House Democrats. During that period, Squad members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley mostly avoided doing interviews. However, that all changed after Donald Trump’s deplorable tweet thread aimed at the freshman members.

"That attack united House Democrats in condemnation and redirected the press’s focus. As a result, those members have suddenly agreed to do interviews again. While it makes sense that those interviews cover the Trump attack, one would think the press would also ask these members some tough questions that have otherwise gone unanswered. That hasn’t happened thus far, but here are ten suggestions for journalists actually interested in accountability from those in power, including those with a D by their name:" .  .  .

Trump and the ‘Racist Tweets’. "What does “racist” even mean anymore?"

"There’s a difference between racist and just stupid."

Tony Branco

Andrew C. McCarthy  "Racism is the headline on President Trump’s Sunday tweets — the media-Democrat complex assiduously describes them as “racist tweets” as if that were a fact rather than a trope. I don’t think they were racist; I think they were abjectly stupid.
"Like many Americans, I am tired of being lectured about racism by racists and racialists, individuals whose full-field explanation for all life’s issues is this matter of genetic happenstance that should be increasingly irrelevant in a pluralistic society.

"Is it “racist” to tell people who have contempt for the country — who abhor the common culture that makes us American — that they ought to go back to where they came from? It has nativist and reactionary overtones, but I don’t think it is racist. I’ll grant this much, though: It is closer to actual racism than the Left’s usual demagogic claim: I am a racist if I extend to a non-white nincompoop like Ilhan Omar the courtesy of taking her seriously as an individual and a public official, as if it were her race rather than the idiocy of what she says that moves me to dissent.

"It would be racist to tell the progressive “Squad” that they don’t belong in our country because of their race or ethnic roots. I don’t understand Trump to have done that. He is attacking their radicalism, which they wear like a badge of honor.

"I don’t believe Trump is a master strategist who did this to force Speaker Pelosi and other mainstream Democrats, at their electoral peril, to embrace the radicals. That’s just the lemonade that Trump supporters are trying to make of the president’s never-ending supply of lemons*. In any event, while it is beneath a president to carp in Trump’s juvenile way, I have less heartburn in principle with a president’s attacking radicalism than I do with a congresswoman’s claim that any criticism of her is an implicit criticism of immigrants, women, black people, etc. 

"The real problems here, in 2020 terms, are the stupidity and insensitivity of the president’s Twitter twaddle." . . .
*In contrast, Rush Limbaugh thinks Trump is brilliant for this.:

Off the record, House Dems tell CNN’s Tapper that Trump was ‘brilliant’ snookering Dems into letting The Squad become their symbol
. . . "Kudos to Tapper for getting the truth out of the Dems, and for publishing it on Twitter. It takes some guts for an employee of Jeff Zucker's CNN  to tell the public things that don't support The Narrative that the Left continues to peddle." . . .

When everything is "racist", then nothing is racist

Looks like we need to think of a new term for the Jim Crow Laws, black lynching, dragging African-Americans behind trucks, exclusion from society, bombing churches, to name a few. Using the term "racism" has no significance anymore; it has been rendered silly by the likes of Maxine Waters, Bobby "Beto" O'Rourke, Al Sharpton, et al. along with the help of CNN.  The Tunnel Dweller.

 Biff Spackle of Director Blue  via American Thinker

An Angry Old White Guy on 'AOC Plus Three'  . . . "So, let me say, as someone who has lived with this nonsense for more than forty years, I no longer give a damn, nor do most white people I know.

"My white privilege means that I can’t blame any other race for the decisions I make. It means that there will be no federal auditors to make sure that no matter how mediocre my performance, I will be guaranteed a position to fulfill a quota. It means that celebrating diversity means excluding people that look like me." . . .

Accusations of bigotry shut down all honest commentary.  . . . "Very often, when liberals are questioned, they term the challenger a bigot.  That not only silences the challenger, but all supporters of the challenger and any other potential challengers.  Thus, we have the likes of John Kasich and Mitt Romney, who do not dare contest any such abhorrent utterances.  In fact, they seek validation of liberals by attacking their own.  The reason Trump won in 2016 was owing to his fearlessness in taking the fight to the opposition.  Luckily for his voters, he hasn't changed an iota after being elected to office.

"The robust economy, the defeat of ISIS in the Middle East, and a focus on curbing illegal immigration will help President Trump get re-elected.  But it is this ethical act of challenging blatant immorality on this occasion and several others that is the reason why he has an unbreakable bond with his supporters."

Facebook Labels St. Augustine Quote as ‘Hate Speech’

Legal Insurrection

"Facebook is going overboard in an attempt to make sure nobody gets their feelings hurt on the platform.

"Pro-life activist Domenico Bettinelli claimed that Facebook deleted a quote from St. Augustine because it violated the platform’s Community Standards on hate speech.

"From The Catholic Herold:

"The quote says:

“Let us never assume that if we live good lives we will be without sin; our lives should be praised only when we continue to beg for pardon. But men are hopeless creatures, and the less they concentrate on their own sins, the more interested they become in the sins of others. They seek to criticize, not to correct. Unable to excuse themselves, they are ready to accuse others.”

"In a post on Facebook, Bettinelli said the quote “is just a reformulation of Jesus’ own words from Matthew 7:3 “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?” Is the Gospel hate speech by Facebook’s standards?”

"Bettinelli posted the quote after he saw that two priests had posted the excerpt from the Office of Readings and that it had been flagged by Facebook. They believed that an algorithm was flagging the content.

"After his post was also removed, Bettinelli requested a human review appealing the decision and later received notice that his appeal was rejected.

"HOW is that quote hate speech? Bettinelli refused to accept Facebook’s explanation:

"In his response to the failed appeal, Bettinelli wrote: “I still don’t understand why this is hate speech. It’s a quote from a Catholic saint who expresses the opposite of hate speech. He is essentially restating the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospels to stop worrying about what the other guy is or isn’t doing and worry about your own flaws. Is Facebook saying that the Gospel is hate speech? But what’s worse is that I have no more understanding now of what is a violation of your community standards than I did before. I cannot for the life of me figure out why you label this hate speech.”. . .  

Omar goes silent on condemning al-Qaeda, Antifa

The bottom line here is that it ought to be easy for any congresswoman to condemn any violent terrorist attack, whether by Antifa or al-Qaeda, particularly as a representative of rule of law.  Omar and her squad colleagues can't bring themselves to do it.  Apparently, no terrorist group quite outrages them enough to make them condemn terrorism, even if, incredibly, it would shut President Trump up.

Tony Branco

Monica Showalter  . . . "According to the Washington Examiner:

Rep. Ilhan Omar responded with silence to a reporter asking her if she condemned the Saturday attack on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Tacoma, Washington, by an anti-fascist.

"Will you condemn the antifa attack in Washington over the weekend?" The Rebel reporter Keean Bexte asked Omar as she left a Monday press conference with fellow Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts.

"It's easy to condemn terrorism. Will you condemn it?" Bexte asked when Omar doesn't respond. "Antifa firebombed a facility in Tacoma over the weekend — it's an ICE facility — will you condemn them for that?"

Omar continued to ignore Bexte as he questioned whether Omar thought it was "laudable" to bomb an ICE facility if they are indeed concentration camps, as some have claimed.

"In what must have been the same day, she also went mute when given a chance to condemn al-Qaeda:" . . .

Imam warns America about Omar and Tlaib’s real agenda

IsraelUnwired  "When an Imam warns America about the dangers of the two Muslim congresswomen, you better listen up. Someone like him knows.

. . . "Is it often that an Imam warns America about certain Muslims? Well, Mohamad Tawhidi is doing just that. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are dangerous. Their real goals have nothing to do with defending America or protecting American values. They are extremists. And they threaten the safety of all of America. 

"So with this information, what will Americans do now. After watching this video and hearing the truth again, this time coming from a Muslim himself, will a change finally take place?

And AOC…

"And then there is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. It is ridiculous that she was ever voted into Congress. Did she condemn the attack on Christians in Sri Lanka? No. Does she condemn antisemitism? Never. She has made the most absurd comments about Israel. AOC lies. She misleads. And she should not be representing the American people either.

"How has it come to this? How does America have three women in Congress who are clashing with American values and never condemn antisemitism? If this isn’t stopped soon, how many more people like AOC, Omar, and Tlaib, will make it to the US government?"

Being wary of this source, we find these comments among others:

Tawhidi

You have to be very careful when you hear a Muslim talking like this and not surmise he is a "breath of fresh air." His words could very well be a front and what is known in the Islamic Word as taqiyya. "Taqiyya is an Islamic juridical term whose shifting meaning relates to when a Muslim is allowed, under Sharia law, to lie. This is common practice among the Muslims especially when trying to infiltrate a nation.

And:

 I have listened to this Imam on YouTube and in particular one talk where he explains the Koran and how the dangerous interpretation of it called the Bukhati (not sure of the spelling) should be banned. Do I think he has an agenda other than reformation of his religion? I don‘t think so! I think that among Muslims there are a few who, like Catholics and others, believe in their religious dogma and are prepared to peacefully co-exist with people of other faiths. He is an intelligent man and I think he is sincere. Without wanting to offend anybody I would like to say however that religions, any religion, have nothing to do with God, are invented by man and have misled and incited their followers for their own gains! I rather am a deist with no connection to any belief system who wants to tell me that I am a sinner and my prospects are hell fire or such rubbish! But as long as one has good intentions towards ones fellow man one should be able to practice any religion as long as it is peaceful! Is it that simple? May be not!

Tawhidi has incurred the wrath of other Muslims.  . . . "Mohamad Tawhidi does not represent Islam nor represent Muslim. His views are completely different from what Muslims believes. Mohamad Tawhidi should also be very careful while supporting Anti-Muslim agendas." . . .

When the MSM Say Someone Is in Prison for a Minor Drug Crime, They’re Always Lying

Ann Coulter

     "If the left has its way in the next few years, there won't be anyone left in prison because you see, they're overflowing with innocent black men locked up for "nonviolent drug crimes." All of them! 
     "Over the weekend, NBC News investigative reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell appeared on MSNBC's "Kasie DC" to tell the story of Bill Underwood, loving parent and prison mentor, who has already spent nearly 30 years in prison for a nonviolent drug crime. 
     "Caldwell reported: "William Underwood, now 65 years old, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a nonviolent drug-related crime. It was his first felony, but in the middle of the tough-on-crime era, the judge showed no leniency. With no hope of ever walking free again, Underwood has made the best of his time in prison, mentoring others and staying devoted to his children and grandchildren, as (his daughter) Ebony fights for his release." 
     "Another black body in prison for mere possession of a joint!
     " Actually, no one is in prison anywhere for possession of a joint, except in the pea-brain fantasies of chubby college coeds everywhere. 
     "We don't have the prison space. NBC's Caldwell interviewed Underwood, noting how "for 30 years from inside prison walls, he still tried to be a father first." The poor man concurred, saying, "That's all I was ever taught, you know? Children first, first, foremost. That's what I try to emulate." 
     "Can it be long before Ivanka pops up, lobbying for his release?
     " Despite what I'm sure was an exhaustive investigation, I was suspicious of Caldwell's characterization of Underwood's crime. 
     "My rule is: If you're not telling me why someone was sentenced to life in prison, there's probably a reason you're not telling me. 
     "All we got from Caldwell was: Here's this great father behind bars; He just got caught up in something, we're really not sure what it was -- and here's his daughter, Ebony, to tell us what a terrific father he is.
     " Considering that she's arguing for Underwood's immediate release into the general public, it seems odd that Caldwell doesn't know what he's in prison for, nor does she have the slightest interest in finding out.
     " Maybe at NBC they don't have access to the internet. But I do! I spent a full 60 seconds doing a Nexis search on William Underwood. 
     "Here are some excerpts from a Newsday article on Underwood's conviction, dated Jan. 10, 1990:
.... " 'A rock band manager was convicted yesterday as the head of a vicious Harlem drug gang that prosecutors said carried out six murders, including the controversial slaying of a witness in 1983." 
     "Caldwell didn't bother to mention Underwood's SIX MURDERS? NBC: We don't have room for everything. These stories are only so long." . . .

It’s Happening: House Democrats Schedule a Vote to Start Impeaching President Trump

Katie Pavlich

"House Democrats have officially pushed Speaker Nancy Pelosi to schedule a vote considering articles of impeachment for President Trump. The vote will take place Wednesday and is being spearheaded by Texas Democrat Al Green.
"Green is no stranger to articles of impeachment for President Trump and has introduced them multiple times on the House floor. They’ve never received a vote. Last night he did it again, leading to a full House vote later today.
"Green's latest move came after the House voted to condemn President Trump for tweets about leftist Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib. 

"For months, Speaker Pelosi has desperately tried to slow down the momentum for impeachment, which is politically unpopular with voting demographics Democrats need to win or hold onto. 
"Given the statements made by the “squad’s” during a press conference earlier this week and during and interview with CBS News Wednesday morning, there are rough seas ahead." . . .

What about this?  Rep. Omar: ‘I Do Not Regret’ My Earlier Anti-Semitic Comments…

Biden keeps trolling for Obama's endorsement

http://www.terrellaftermath.com/

Biden Renews The ‘Keep Your Plan’ Lie With Obamacare 2.0
"Wait, have we heard this before? Oh, right, it was President Obama pitching the original version of Obamacare, with a lie so egregious PolitiFact named it “Lie of the Year.' ”

Why hasn't Obama endorsed Joe Biden for 2020? Is he holding back to endorse Michelle Obama?

Trump trolls Biden over his wanting Obama endorsement

Ian Macfarlane

Ali vs. Rapinoe

Certainly . . .Ali was loud, brash, and obnoxious.  . . . Certainly Rapinoe is all that and more. I would add: hypocritical, ignorant, disrespectful, and incapable of discussion without the use of juvenile profanity, including F-bombs. This, of course is delightful to those who have created the pedestal she stands on.

"I am the greatest!"

Dennis Lund
Writing for Sports Illustrated, Grant Whal drew a comparison between current Mega Soccer Goddess Megan Rapinoe and Muhammed Ali, when he wrote:

Muhammad Ali is a singular figure in American life. But there are elements of a modern-day Ali in Rapinoe’s stance toward sports and social activism, to say nothing of her ability to turn the glare of publicity -- much of it controversial -- to her advantage.

"Muhammed Ali was many things, but he was a man who many Americans learned to respect because he stood for ideals, backing them with actions that cost him dearly.

"Until such time that Rapinoe can achieve such a distinction, she will remain simply a flash in the pan, capitalizing on her temporary fame and the popular ‘hate-Trump-theme’ which is tearing this nation apart.

"We need to recognize that Ali was ahead of his time, as the nascent anti-war movement was just beginning to gain traction. Indeed his  actions ran contrary to the American themes of the day. Rapinoe, on the other hand, has jumped on the bandwagon and seems to delight in the opportunity to demonstrate her disdain for Trump, as well as for America. Her rise to fame is in large part due to her matching the equal disdain shown for Trump, and for America, that is currently infecting the American media and the leftist crowd she identifies with." . . .

. . . "What Rapinoe, who by the way is a multimillionaire earning over $165,000 a year, demands ignores basic laws of economics, one taught at the high-school level. That law being: supply and demand. If you want to make more money, don’t demand it, increase the demand for your product." . . .

. . . "A note to Rapinoe: If you want to earn the respect of the nation, you may want to take a cue from Muhammed Ali ‘who believed in something and sacrificed everything.’

Rapinoe has made no such sacrifice, while she stands on the threshold of capital gains."

Ocasio-Cortez gets new 2020 challenger: a Republican immigrant from Jamaica

There is a crisis in Queens, and it’s called AOC.'  — Scherie Murray

Fox News

"EXCLUSIVE -- Scherie Murray, a New York businesswoman who immigrated from Jamaica as a child and is active in state Republican politics, is launching a campaign Wednesday for the congressional seat held by Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Fox News has learned.
"In a phone interview, Murray, 38, confirmed her intention to run for the New York congressional seat as a Republican.
“ 'There is a crisis in Queens, and it’s called AOC,” Murray told Fox News. “And instead of focusing on us, she’s focusing on being famous. Mainly rolling back progress and authoring the job-killing Green New Deal and killing the Amazon New York deal.”
"Murray, who was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States when she was 9, is officially launching her campaign Wednesday with an introductory video that takes sharp jabs at the 29-year-old Ocasio-Cortez.". . . 

“Your representative in Washington chooses self-promotion over service, conflict over constituents, resistance over assistance," Murray said in the video. "Queens and the Bronx needs someone who will create jobs instead of turning them away."

The long knives of Democrats and media will be after Ms. Murray now.

Americans Are the Real Casualties of the Trump-‘Squad’ Showdown

The resolution in the House condemning the president is just the opposite. The intent is clear: It’s simply more partisan politics that is meant to divide us rather than unite us.

Andrew Wilkow

Daily Signal via Heritage.  . . . "I won’t offer an excuse for his ill-worded tweets, but simply some perspective as someone who has met with the president and whose organization works with his administration daily.
"The president loves this country, believes in the goodness of this country, and defends this country when others attack it. His tweets and follow-on comments were unacceptable, but let’s also be honest enough to recognize the destructive and divisive nature of the rhetoric of the members of Congress in question.
"I can understand why Americans are tired of the growing chorus of anti-American sentiment from “The Squad.” We all can certainly have honest disagreements with how the country is being run—that’s one of the wonderful features of the American system—but to regularly trash it, its people, and those who protect it is another thing entirely.
"I have found their rhetoric to be hateful, destructive, and dangerous. I will continue to expose their hypocrisy. What I will not do is join them in their ad hominem attacks as we debate policy.
"As a woman and as a black person who lived through segregation, I know from personal experience about some of our nation’s shortcomings.
"Despite these challenges, America was founded on a set of principles that have allowed us to rectify our wrongs, and in the process, build a freer and more prosperous nation where anyone has the opportunity to succeed.
"One thing this whole incident can provide is the opportunity for discussion, education, and some level of understanding among the races about where insults like this and others originated, how they have been historically used to taunt and jeer, and why they still cause pain today.
"I don’t think the president meant to tap into that pain, but he did. " . . .

Ayanna Presley Threatened Detention Facilities: If You Don’t See The Light, “You Will See The Fire,” Facility Then Attacked By Antifa With Fire Bombs  
"Rep. Ayanna Pressley says this July 2.
"The Tacoma ICE facility was attacked by an anarchist member of Antifa on July 13, quoting the “concentration camp” language of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The man was reportedly throwing Molotov cocktails and trying to set a propane tank connected to the building on fire which could have killed not only the agents inside, but the illegal aliens there as well."

Sickening! Omar Laughs After Being Asked About Violence Against ICE Agents  
. . . " 'Will you condemn Antifa? Do you feel like you have any sort of responsibility for their actions?" Bexte asked Omar. 
"Omar ignored the questions and never once condemned the far-left group for their violent actions.
" 'Do you feel responsible for a violent attack against an ICE facility?" Bexte asked again.
"Omar again refused to respond, but Bexte didn't give up.
"When Omar climbed into the vehicle and sat down next to Ocasio-Cortez, Bexte directed his question at both lawmakers.
" 'Ms. Cortez, do you feel responsible at all?" he asked. "Will you tell Americans not to be violent anymore? Antifa to be exact."
"After that question, Omar can be seen leaning forward and laughing as Bexte continues to ask both lawmakers if they will condemn Antifa." . . .

American Thinker

I am convinced Donald Trump has not caused this violence and anger from the left, that he has instead revealed it. Recall the vitriol toward George Bush and Republicans by TV shows such as The View, Colbert, and Letterman. TD