US Responds with Sanctions, Peace Offer, to Latest Iranian Provocation

SAUL LOEB/AFP vi

WEEK 2, 2020 a G e tty I tty m ages OUR nation

US Responds With Sanctions, Peace

President Offer, to Latest Donald Trump speaks about the situation with Iranian Provocation Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House on No US forces harmed in Iranian Jan. 8, 2020. missile attack on Iraqi base; President Trump avoids escalation of military conflict with Iran 8 2 | OUR NATION Week 2, 2020 Week 2, 2020 OUR NATION | 3 Watchdog Group Tells 5 States of DHS Considering Protections to Prevent Violence Against Places of Worship Millions of Extra Voter Registrations SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP via Getty Images Janita Kan the sharing of information between the DHS Mario Tama/Getty Images Matthew Vadum by the U.S. Election Assistance Commis- and faith-based organizations, evaluate pro- sion (EAC), an independent, bipartisan com- The Department of Homeland Security tective efforts for faith-based communities, t least 2.5 million extra voter mission that was established by the Help (DHS) is considering a list of recommenda- evaluate the role of faith-based communi- registrations are on the voter America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The EAC is tions focused on preventing violence against ties in preventative efforts, and look at the rolls of 378 counties nation- responsible for developing guidance to meet faith-based communities, after a spate of impacts of violent extremists and domestic wide, according to the good- HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary attacks at synagogues, churches, and other terrorists. government group Judicial voting system guidelines, and serving as a places of worship. As part of their review, the subcommittee Watch. national clearinghouse of information on Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf has asked said they conducted seven site visits to places ADemocrats have long denied that voter election administration. agency heads, in a memorandum obtained of worship across the nation, held in-person fraud affects electoral outcomes and claims by media outlets, to come up with a plan meetings and conference calls, and was also that those on the right want to crack down to bolster security at places of worship and briefed by over 100 experts. on voter fraud solely as a means of prevent- protect faith-based groups from violent tar- The report was finalized and submitted in ing the poor and minorities from voting. But Dirty voting rolls can mean dirty geted attacks. December 2019, just days before a violent experts say fraudulent voter registrations elections, and Judicial Watch will “Houses of worship and faith-based orga- stabbing attack at a rabbi’s home in New open the door to fraudulent voting. nizations dedicate resources to local com- York and a shooting at a Texas church. President Donald Trump and Republicans have insist, in court if necessary, that munities and often serve as social and moral The report outlines a range of findings and long warned about the dangers of voter fraud. states follow federal law to clean up beacons people rely on in times of both joy measures that could help improve the pre- Significantly, four of the states with voter their voting rolls. and need. The right to practice religion free paredness, communication, and funding of over-registrations–Pennsylvania, North of interference or fear is one of our nation’s DHS and faith-based organizations in the Carolina, Virginia, and Colorado—are im- Tom Fitton, president, Judicial Watch most fundamental and indelible rights,” event of an attack. portant battleground states that will figure Wolf wrote in his memo, sent on Jan. 2. The recommendations in the 2019 report Community members and congregants attend a candlelight vigil for the victim of the prominently in the presidential election later “As such, the targeting of houses of wor- include designating a central point of con- Chabad of Poway Synagogue shooting in Poway, Calif., on April 28, 2019. this year. An unusually high voter registra- “Dirty voting rolls can mean dirty elec- ship by violent extremists of any ideology tact within DHS for faith-based groups, tion rate suggests a jurisdiction may not be tions, and Judicial Watch will insist, in court Voters cast their ballots in Los Angeles on June 5, 2018. is particularly abhorrent and must be pre- creating a package approach to security removing voters who have died or who have if necessary, that states follow federal law vented.” for faith-based organizations, encourage the recommendations were acted upon.” ing places of worship. moved elsewhere, as required by federal law, to clean up their voting rolls,” said Judicial Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, ple friend-of-the-court briefs, it helped to The recommendations are part of a Home- faith-based organizations to work with law “With this the third report of this nature, “In the wake of the local attack on the West according to Judicial Watch. Watch President Tom Fitton in a statement. Stanislaus, and Yolo counties); Colorado (Jef- clean up voter rolls in Ohio by pushing for land Security Advisory Council (HSAC) re- enforcement develop real-time informa- and in view of the urgency of our moment, Freeway Church of Christ last Sunday, as To reduce the likelihood of voter fraud in The Washington-based nonprofit organi- ferson County); North Carolina (Guilford a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018, port, which was attached to Wolf’s memo, tion sharing systems, and seek additional and the imprimatur of this Subcommit- well as the attacks on Jewish communities the 2020 elections, Judicial Watch has sent zation, well-known in political circles, de- and Mecklenburg counties); Pennsylvania in a landmark electoral integrity case called which looks at DHS’s role in preventing and funding from Congress to provide increased tee, this report should be converted into an and church services nationally, Chief Kraus “notice of violation” letters to 19 large coun- scribes itself as a “conservative, non-parti- (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Husted v. Philip Randolph Institute. mitigating the attacks. In May 2019, then- security grant money for faith-based orga- implementation plan at the earliest possible is authorizing and encouraging our officers ties in five states, warning that the group san educational foundation, [that] promotes counties); and Virginia (Fairfax County). The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin nizations. moment for the systematic adoption of the who attend worship services to do so in full intends to file suit against them unless they transparency, accountability, and integrity The 2.5-million figure is still an improve- that Ohio’s process violated the NVRA, but McAleenan asked HSAC to set up a subcom- The report also references two similar actionable recommendations,” the subcom- police uniform,” the post said. comply with federal law and remove ineli- in government, politics and the law.” ment over a year ago, when Judicial Watch the Supreme Court upheld an Ohio law that mittee to review the security of faith-based reports made in 2012 and 2014 containing mittee advised the department. A man shot at congregants attending a ser- gible voter registrations within 90 days. “Previous Judicial Watch lawsuits have found there were 3.5 million more names on required the state to send address confir- organizations across the country. relevant recommendations that helped the Some law enforcement has also responded vice at West Freeway Church of Christ in Section 8 of the National Voter Registration already led to major cleanups in Califor- various county voter rolls than there were mation notices to all registered voters who The subcommittee, co-chaired by John R. subcommittee come to their conclusions with its own measures following the church White Settlement, Texas, on Dec. 29, 2019, Act of 1993 (NVRA), also known as the Motor- nia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio—but more citizens of voting age. hadn’t voted in the previous two years. Allen, president of Brookings Institute, and in the new report. The subcommittee said attack in Texas. Fort Worth police posted on killing two people. The suspect, Keith Thom- Voter law, requires that jurisdictions take needs to be done,” said Fitton. “It is common Although San Diego County in California The ruling had the effect of upholding a Paul Goldenberg, president and CEO of Car- although recommendations were made sev- Twitter that Chief Ed Kraus is encouraging as Kinnunen, was shot and killed by a mem- reasonable efforts to remove ineligible reg- sense that voters who die or move away be removed 500,000 inactive names from voter 2014 settlement agreement between Judi- dinal Point Strategies, was asked to review eral years ago, “there is no evidence any of officers to wear their uniforms when attend- ber of the church’s security team. istrations from their voter rolls. During the removed from the voting rolls.” rolls following Judicial Watch’s legal settle- cial Watch and Ohio, which required the Obama administration, the Department of Nineteen counties in five states stood out for ment with Los Angeles County, San Diego state to use that same procedure as part of Justice was heavily criticized by Republicans having more voter registrations than citizens continues to have a voter registration rate a regular supplemental mailing designed and others for failing to enforce Section 8. residing there who are old enough to vote. of 117 percent, which is one of the highest to identify whether registered Ohio voters Judicial Watch discovered the over-regis- Those five states are: California (Imperial, voter over-registration rates in the country. had moved away—one of the steps mandated trations by analyzing data recently released Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Judicial Watch says that by filing multi- by the NVRA. Cartels Continue to Build Cross Border Tunnels to Smuggle Drugs

CBP Charlotte Cuthbertson The tunnel popped up into an old KFC building in San Iran Tension Unlikely Sharing a stormwater drain- Luis, and the exit point was age system with Nogales, about eight inches in diam- Mexico, means that No- eter and just wide enough to to Cause Sustained Oil Price Spike gales, Arizona, is a popu- bring up pounds of narcot- lar spot for cartels to push ics, said Garibay. their contraband across the “A lot of them are hand- Spencer Platt/Getty Images U.S. border undetected. The dug tunnels, which, regard- Emel Akan markets will be short term, given a southern Nogales has about less of how they’re dug, it global oil supply glut and the lack six times the population of takes a lot of precision to get WASHINGTON—Fears of a conflict of a sustained price spike following its U.S. namesake and the them from the south side to escalation in the Middle East fol- the September attacks. city pushes right up against the U.S. side and come up lowing the killing of Iranian Gen. On Sept. 14, 2019, Saudi Arabia’s the border fence. in the exact same spot that Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. air- key Abqaiq processing plant and Recently, two tunnels they want it to,” he said. strike may push oil prices higher the nearby oil field were attacked, were discovered in Nogales, “Especially since they dug in the short term, according to knocking out more than half of the bringing the Tucson-sector under a canal. So they had analysts. country’s oil output and nearly 5 tunnel count to 125 found flowing water above them. Border Patrol agents patrol the border in A sustained surge in prices is un- percent of global supply. since 1990. In early Decem- It took a lot of engineering Nogales, Ariz., on July likely, they said. Brent crude oil jumped almost ber, the first of the two tun- to be able to get it to work 29, 2019. The city Tensions between Washing- 20 percent following the incident. nels was discovered when properly and not collapse.” of Nogales, Mexico, ton and Tehran have escalated However, it retreated to pre-attack U.S. Border Patrol and Mexi- The tunnel was discov- abuts the border at a time when oil supplies have levels in a few days, after the Sau- can Federal Police collabo- ered through “human in- fence to the right. started to tighten. dis assured that production had rated for a routine sweep of telligence,” Garibay said, Members of the Organization of been restored. the stormwater system. being careful not to reveal was built by the Sinaloa car- with tunnels. So we were Petroleum Exporting Countries The September incident reveals The tunnel’s entrance was too many details. Federal tel. According to the Drug working with them. And (OPEC) and its allies agreed last that the oil market will accom- concealed in the floor of an and local law enforcement Enforcement Administra- Tunnels found they’re working on technol- month to reduce oil output by an modate a “very near-term geopo- existing drainage system by arrested a man who was tion, tunnels found along along the border ogy to try to detect tunnels additional 500,000 barrels per day litical risk premium,” but won’t a pile of dirt; it was capped transporting drugs out of the border are generally are generally more accurately.” starting this month. Expectations continue to do so for months, Katie with a Styrofoam and con- the building. associated with the Sinaloa It’s impossible to tell how were also rising for oil demand, Bays, co-founder of Washington- crete mixture, according to When caught, the suspect cartel. Most tunnels are associated with many pounds of drugs enter following the positive news about based Sandhill Strategy, told S&P Customs and Border Protec- was transporting more than found in California and the Sinaloa cartel, the United States through the “phase one” trade deal between Global Platts. tion (CBP). three kilograms (more than Arizona. and most are built tunnels each year. Most of the United States and China. Iran promised vengeance after It extended 10 feet under- six pounds) of fentanyl, six The tunnel was sealed at the drugs that CBP seizes Oil prices spiked immediately the U.S. airstrike that killed So- ground and 20 feet into the kilograms of cocaine, more the border, then filled with in California and along the border come after the news of the killing of leimani, along with Abu Mahdi al- United States, CBP said. At than 20 kilograms of heroin, concrete up to the exit point. Arizona. through ports of entry in Iran’s top military commander Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 3, 2020. Muhandis, an Iraqi militia leader its exit, the tunnel was ap- and 118 kilograms of meth- Some previously discov- vehicles. at Baghdad International Airport and one of Iran’s top lieutenants proximately three feet wide amphetamines, worth a ered tunnels, mostly in the CBP officers and Border -Pa early on Jan. 3. The international facilities in the Gulf area, in Iraq it’s unlikely to cause a long-term in Iraq. He has been blamed by and over four feet tall. combined $1.2 million. San Diego area, have had trol agents intercepted more benchmark Brent crude jumped for example, where Western com- concern. the United States for last week’s Days later, Border Patrol During a traffic stop, a K-9 lighting, ventilation, and than 82,100 pounds of drugs more than 3 percent to $68.67 per The factors in the market panies are investing in new oil pro- “Despite clear short-term oil assault on the U.S. Embassy in found another tunnel about alerted officials to the drugs, rail systems. One such un- in November 2019—a 32 per- barrel that day. U.S. West Texas pushing oil prices higher duction, Morse said. market concerns, there could be Baghdad. 50 feet away and alerted the which were in two toolboxes finished tunnel that was cent increase over October. Intermediate also increased 3 per- are based on the view Other potential retaliations could bearish factors at work later in “We believe that an Iranian re- Mexican Federal Police to in the man’s pickup truck, discovered in San Diego in cent to $63.05. be “attacks on pipeline oil flows or 2020, with the possibility that Iran taliation is almost certain,” Paul check the location of the en- said Scott Brown, Phoenix 2018 was 627 feet long and CBP The escalation of tensions could that Iranian authorities shipping through either the Strait and the United States could find Sheldon, chief geopolitical risk trance from the southern side. Homeland Security Inves- went to a depth of 31 feet. drive Brent prices above $70 in collectively, or the Islamic of Hormuz or the Red Sea.” common purpose in working out analyst at S&P Global Platts, said Both tunnels have been tigations special agent in A rail system ran the entire short order, according to Citigroup. Revolutionary Guard The Strait of Hormuz is the a new agreement,” he wrote. in a note. remediated with concrete charge. length of the tunnel, CBP “The factors in the market push- world’s most important oil transit “The chances of a broader conflict filler, according to CBP. “Just the three kilograms said. ing oil prices higher are based on Corps, independently, chokepoint, as more than a fifth September Attacks remain below 50 percent, although Further west, in Yuma, of fentanyl translates to over Garibay said no technol- the view that Iranian authorities could potentially take of the world’s oil supply flows The killing of Soleimani follows risks are entering new territory. Arizona, Border Patrol agent 3 million dosage units,” ogy exists yet that can detect collectively, or the Islamic Revo- retaliatory actions that through it. And any disruption, the attacks in September 2019 on The initial market reaction indi- Jose Garibay recounted the Brown said at the time. “In small cross-border tunnels, lutionary Guard Corps, indepen- even a temporary one, can lead to major Saudi Arabian oil facilities cates Brent is capped at $70 per story of a tunnel discov- a nation in the midst of an which are generally three dently, could potentially take re- increase the likelihood of substantial supply delays and an and a series of attacks targeting barrel, without another major inci- ered in his sector in August opioid crisis, obviously, this feet wide and five feet tall. taliatory actions that increase the supply disruption in the increase in energy prices, accord- oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz dent. The Iranian retaliation could 2018. The tunnel extended is a very significant seizure.” “There’s nothing as of likelihood of supply disruption in Middle East. ing to the U.S. Energy Information earlier, which have raised geo- take the form of a quick response from San Luis, Mexico, to The agent said the Mexico now that would allow us to the Middle East,” Edward Morse, Administration. political risks in the region. The by proxies against U.S. allies and San Luis, Arizona. It was entrance of the tunnel was go operational with it and the global head of commodities re- While Morse predicts that fears United States blamed Iran for the assets, but a larger response is like- 600 feet long—the length of accessed via a trapdoor un- detect it with a high rate of Border Patrol Edward Morse, global head of agents discover a search at Citigroup, said in a report. commodities research at Citigroup over Iranian retaliation will con- attacks. ly to be more carefully calculated two football fields—and was der a bed located in a resi- accuracy,” he said. “We’ve cross-border tunnel The scenarios of retaliation by tinue to put upward pressure on Analysts polled by S&P Global and indirect in an effort to avoid shored up by vertical wood dential compound. sent guys to Israel because in Nogales, Ariz., on Iran could include attacks on oil oil prices in the short-term, he says Platts say that the disruption in oil outright conflict,” he said. planks on the walls. Garibay said the tunnel [Israel has] a big problem Dec. 8, 2019. 4 | OUR NATION Week 2, 2020 Week 2, 2020 OUR NATION | 5 Sen. Hawley Wants Deadline for DOJ Recommends Up to 6-Month Sending Impeachment Articles to Senate Sentence for Michael Flynn

Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times Mark Tapscott and that this is just an effort to Ivan Pentchoukov fendant’s counsel, that the defendant has of lying to the FBI. The sentencing has to The Epoch Times. Senate Judiciary Committee member undo the 2016 election.” retreated from his acceptance of responsibil- been repeatedly delayed since, to allow Flynn made the false statements he was ASHINGTON— Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) at the U.S. “If Nancy Pelosi doesn’t want to he Department of Justice rec- ity in this case regarding his lies to the FBI,” Flynn to cooperate with authorities on charged with during an interview with two Speaker of the Capitol on Jan. 15, 2019. send the articles to the Senate, we ommended that the judge in the prosecutors wrote. other cases and to resolve the defense’s FBI agents, Joe Pientka and Peter Strzok, on House Nancy should dismiss the articles of im- the case against retired Lt. Gen. “For that reason, the government asks late-breaking request to disclose alleged Jan. 24, 2017, two days after he was sworn Pelosi (D-Calif.) peachment and get back to work Michael Flynn issue a sentence this Court to inquire of the defendant as to exculpatory evidence. in as President Donald Trump’s national might have only on all the things that aren’t getting of up to six months in prison, whether he maintains those apparent state- Mueller closed the Russia investigation in security adviser. Wone week left to withhold from done, like securing the border, pass- according to a sentencing ments of innocence or whether he disavows 2019, finding no evidence to suggest that Strzok is known for biased text messages the Senate the two articles of ing No Budget/No Pay, and lowering Tmemorandum filed on Jan. 7. them and fully accepts responsibility for his then-candidate Donald Trump or anyone he exchanged with Lisa Page, an FBI attor- impeachment against President the cost of prescription drugs.” The prosecutors opted for a harsher recom- criminal conduct.” on his campaign, including Flynn, colluded ney. Strzok and Page discussed stopping Donald Trump, approved by House mendation than one they proposed in De- The indictment of Flynn was the first with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election. Trump from becoming president, mentioned Democrats on Dec. 19, if the upper cember 2018, alleging that Flynn, a former filed by special counsel Robert Mueller as “The government seeks to punish General an “insurance policy” in case Trump was chamber approves a proposal for a national security adviser, has since failed part of the investigation of alleged collu- Flynn for refusing to lie for the prosecution elected, and mulled impeachment around 25-day deadline introduced Jan. 6 If Speaker Pelosi is afraid to accept responsibility and at times sought sion between the Trump campaign and in the Rafiekian case. Their position is out- the time they joined the Mueller team. by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). to impede the government’s efforts in other Russia to interfere in the 2016 election. rageous and appalling,” Flynn’s attorney, “If, following adoption of such to try her case, the articles cases, specifically the prosecution of his for- Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 Sidney Powell, said in a statement emailed Petr Svab contributed to this report. articles, the House of Representa- should be dismissed for mer business partner, Bijan Rafiekian. tives does not so notify the Senate “Given the serious nature of the defen- failure to prosecute, and Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images or otherwise provide for such ar- dant’s offense, his apparent failure to ac- ticles to be exhibited to the Senate Congress should get back to cept responsibility, his failure to complete within 25 calendar days from the doing the people’s business. his cooperation in—and his affirmative -ef Former national security date of adoption of such articles, forts to undermine—the prosecution of Bijan adviser Michael Flynn Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) leaves the E. Barrett as recorded in the Journal of the Rafiekian, and the need to promote respect Prettyman U.S. House of Representatives, such ar- for the law and adequately deter such crimi- Courthouse in Washington ticles shall be deemed exhibited He was referring to Trump’s pro- nal conduct, the government recommends on June 24, 2019. before the Senate and it shall be in gram to build a wall on the U.S. that the court sentence the defendant within order for any Senator to offer a mo- border with Mexico, legislation to the applicable Guidelines range of 0 to 6 tion to dismiss such articles with deny paychecks to Congress when months of incarceration,” the prosecutors prejudice for failure by the House ment are delivered to the Senate, can Conference, and Inhofe, who the Constitution gives the Senate it doesn’t adopt a budget on time, wrote in a 33-page brief for the judge. of Representatives to prosecute its current rules stipulate that a is chairman of the Senate Armed sole power to adjudicate articles and legislation to reduce prescrip- Judge Emmet Sullivan is scheduled to sen- such articles,” the resolution reads. trial then be held in which two- Services Committee, could be a of impeachment, not the House. If tion drug prices. tence Flynn on Jan. 28. “Such motion shall be adopted thirds of the 100 senators would signal to House Democratic lead- Speaker Pelosi is afraid to try her Barrasso said in the statement: The Department of Justice recommended a by an affirmative vote of a majority have to vote in favor of convicting ers that further delays in their im- case, the articles should be dis- “Democrats have been obsessed tougher sentence after Flynn’s defense team of the Senators, duly chosen and Trump on at least one of the two peachment drive against Trump missed for failure to prosecute, and with impeaching President Trump turned the tables on the prosecution in late sworn, without debate by the yeas articles in order to remove him could have significant conse- Congress should get back to doing since day one. They know they 2019 by accusing the government attorney and nays, which shall be entered from the presidency. quences. the people’s business.” don’t have a credible case against of withholding exculpatory evidence and on the record.” In addition to Sen. Rick Scott “Speaker Pelosi started this bo- Scott said in the statement: the President.” suggesting they be removed from the case. If Hawley’s resolution is ap- (R-Fla.), co-sponsors of the reso- gus impeachment by claiming “Nancy Pelosi and [Senate Minori- “Speaker Pelosi cannot dictate The judge rejected both requests in a ruling proved as is and made applicable lution include Republican Sens. President Trump was an urgent ty Leader] Chuck Schumer [D-N.Y.] how the Senate operates. If she on Dec. 16, 2019. to the Dec. 19 date, Pelosi would Mike Braun of Indiana, Marsha ‘threat to democracy’ who had to are making a mockery of our gov- refuses to send the articles of On Dec. 18, 2018, the prosecutors had rec- have to deliver the two approved Blackburn of Tennessee, Ted Cruz be removed now. But after a bi- ernment. Democrats have wanted impeachment to the Senate, the ommended a downward departure from articles of impeachment to the of Texas, Steve Daines of Montana, partisan vote against the articles to impeach Donald Trump since Senate should be able to dismiss the sentencing guidelines for Flynn, telling Senate no later than Jan. 13. She John Barrasso of Wyoming, Tom in the House, and with the public he came down that escalator four them.” the court he had provided substantial co- has withheld them while insist- Cotton of Arkansas, Joni Ernst of opposed to the Democrats’ parti- years ago. They just hate Trump.” Republicans control the Senate, operation to the government and accepted ing the Senate adopt “fair” rules Iowa, David Perdue of Georgia, and san games, Pelosi has changed her “But [House Select Committee with 53 members, compared to 45 responsibility. The prosecutors have now that allow testimony from wit- Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma. tune,” Hawley said in a statement on Intelligence] Chairman Adam Democrats and two independents. withdrawn both requests, informing the nesses who didn’t appear during The presence among the initial announcing the resolution. Schiff [D-Calif.] did a great job court that Flynn’s actions since Dec. 18 “ne- the House impeachment hearings. co-sponsors of Barrasso, who is “Now she wants to prevent a Sen- showing the American people that Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark. gate the benefits of much of the defendant’s Once the articles of impeach- chairman of the Senate Republi- ate trial, perhaps indefinitely. But the President did nothing wrong [email protected] earlier cooperation” and suggest he no lon- ger accepts responsibility. “Indeed, the government has reason to believe, through representations by the de- Comedian Ricky Gervais Criticizes Hollywood for Ethical Compromise, Political Lecturing, in Golden Globes Speech national security because While the 18-month-long which was flagged in an ad- Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal Media, LLC via Getty Images US Trade Deficit Hits the pre-Trump policies reck- U.S.–China trade war is vance report published on Petr Svab lessly transferred so much widely reported as having Dec. 30, 2019. in the way of resources and dampened business invest- Trump has made reducing British comedian Ricky Gervais chastised 3-Year Low: ‘Trump’s defense-related technology ment, the new Commerce the trade deficit a major pri- Hollywood’s elites during his opening to an increasingly hostile Department figures show a ority of his administration. monologue at the Golden Globes award China Hard Line Is and aggressive China.” slight rise in capital expen- Economists expect trade ceremony on Jan. 5 for compromising their The Commerce Depart- ditures. will add at least 1.5 percent- As of this morning’s professed beliefs by working for companies Working,’ Expert Says ment figures also show that “Thanks to the new No- age points to GDP growth in criticized for ethical issues. the goods trade gap with the vember final numbers, U.S. the fourth quarter after be- figures, the total He also called on the movie industry award European Union fell 20.2 core capex turned posi- ing a drag for two straight U.S. trade deficit winners to avoid political pontification in Tom Ozimek economies. percent to $13.1 billion. tive again year-over-year,” quarters. is heading for its their acceptance speeches. “Decoupling the U.S. econ- Though Washington and Tonelson said. “The increase The Atlanta Federal Re- “You say you’re woke, but the companies The United States’ November omy from China’s is crucial Beijing in December ham- is just 0.4 percent, but the serve is forecasting GDP first year-over-year you work for, I mean, unbelievable—Apple, 2019 trade deficit fell to its for U.S. prosperity because mered out a “phase one” monthly improvement was increasing at a 2.3 percent decline since 2013, Amazon, Disney. If ISIS started a stream- lowest point in more than the pre-Trump policy of trade deal, uncertainty re- the second straight and the annualized rate in the fourth when U.S. growth ing service, you’d call your agent, wouldn’t three years, suggesting the expanding trade and com- mains about the details of eighth this year, despite all quarter. The economy grew you?” he said, referring to the terrorist Trump administration’s merce with the People’s the agreement. Trump wrote the trade war uncertainty at a 2.1 percent pace in the was a good deal group. agenda to recalibrate inter- Republic has been such a on Twitter on Dec. 31, 2019, caterwauling.” third quarter. lower than what’s He praised Apple’s contribution to the TV national flows of goods and net loser for the American that the partial deal would U.S. financial markets likely for this year. show production “The Morning Show,” but services is having an impact. economy,” Tonelson said. be signed on Jan. 15 at the were little moved by the Reuters contributed to this slammed the company. The trade deficit fell 8.2 “And it’s crucial for U.S. White House. decline in the trade deficit, report. Alan Tonelson, trade expert “A superb drama about the importance of percent to $43.1 billion, the dignity and doing the right thing made by a lowest since October 2016, - MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images company that runs sweatshops in China,” the Commerce Department he said. said on Jan. 7. Gervais then made a recommendation: “As of this morning’s fig- “If you do win an award tonight, don’t use Ricky Gervais speaks onstage during the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 5, 2020. ures, the total U.S. trade it as a platform to make a political speech, deficit is heading for its first right? You’re in no position to lecture the and used their time to air political messages. Epstein Comments in Epstein’s private jet dubbed the “Lolita year-over-year decline since public about anything. You know nothing Williams voiced support for abortion In his speech, Gervais also made reference Express.” 2013, when U.S. growth about the real world.” rights; Crowe, who is in Australia and was to skepticism about the death of Jeffrey Ep- Gervais’s speech made waves online, with was a good deal lower than represented by actress Jennifer Aniston, stein, a well-connected financier arrested more than 750,000 tweets mentioning his what’s likely for this year,” blamed the Australia wildfires on man- in July 2019 for allegedly running a child name by noon of Jan. 6. trade expert Alan Tonelson made emissions of carbon dioxide and ar- prostitution ring. The response has been overwhelmingly told The Epoch Times. gued for moving “our global workforce to “Spoiler alert,” Gervais said about his char- positive, based on the video of the speech The goods trade deficit If ISIS started a streaming renewable energy”; Arquette said the United acter in the “After Life” TV show. “Season having some 89,000 “thumbs up” versus with China, the focus of the service, you’d call your agent, States was “on the brink of war” with Iran two is on the way, so in the end, he obviously about 1,100 “thumbs down” on YouTube by White House’s “America wouldn’t you? and urged the audience to “vote in 2020.” didn’t kill himself—just like Jeffrey Epstein.” noon on Jan. 6. First” agenda, decreased 15.7 She didn’t endorse a particular candidate. Epstein was found dead in his New York But some in the entertainment industry percent to $26.4 billion, with Ricky Gervais, British comedian Hollywood celebrities have previously jail cell in August 2019. The death was ruled milieu have criticized Gervais. imports decreasing 9.2 per- faced criticism for giving speeches about a suicide, but has been broadly questioned “The mood was already sober thanks cent and exports increasing social, political, and environmental issues, by the public because of some unusual cir- to an impeachment [proceeding against by 13.7 percent. “Most of you spent less time in school than despite having limited expertise on the sub- cumstances surrounding his death, along President Donald Trump], the threat of war Tonelson argued that the Greta Thunberg,” he said, referring to the jects and sometimes displaying behavior with suspicion that he possessed compro- with Iran and devastating bush fires in trade figures, which pertain Swedish teenage activist who spent much that runs counter to their stated ideals. mising information about his many power- Australia” and Gervais should have been to November flows of goods of last year traveling the world to talk about Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who scored one ful friends and acquaintances. “brave enough to drop the tired agitator and services, “show that her concerns about the effects of humans on nomination but didn’t win the award, has “Shut up. I know he’s your friend, but I shtick and, for once, read the room,” wrote Trump’s China hard line is the world’s climate. been known to call for limiting emissions of don’t care,” Gervais responded to a loud “oh” Lorraine Ali, television critic for the Los working.” He urged the ad- Shipping containers from Some of the speakers and award recipi- carbon dioxide, even as he travels via private from the audience. Angeles Times. ministration to maintain its China and other Asian countries are unloaded at ents, including actors and actresses Russell jet, which, according to some estimates, boost “You liked to make your own way in your “No, he really shouldn’t have,” retorted pressure in the trade dispute the Port of Los Angeles Crowe, Patricia Arquette, and Michelle Wil- a person’s carbon footprint by up to 10 times own plane, didn’t you?” he added, referring Washington Examiner foreign policy com- and take further steps to in Long Beach, Calif., on liams, chose not to heed Gervais’s advice, as much as conventional passenger aircraft. to many prominent figures who took flights mentator Tom Rogan, in an op-ed. decouple the two countries’ Sept. 14, 2019. 6 | OUR NATION Week 2, 2020 Week 2, 2020 OUR NATION | 7 GOP Leaders Call on Trump to Revoke Iran’s Nuke New York Jewish Community Waivers, Reimpose International Sanctions

BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images Defiant, Fearful Amid Ongoing Mark Tapscott But the three legislators pointed out in their November 2019 state- WASHING- ment that the Trump administra- TON—Republi- tion confirmed to the Senate For- can Sens. Lind- eign Relations Committee in May Anti-Semitic Attacks sey Graham of 2018 that “Iran’s standing as a non- South Carolina nuclear-weapon State Party to the Chung I. Ho/The Epoch Times Wand Ted Cruz of Texas joined with NPT cannot be described as ‘good.’” Bowen Xiao but indicated that he’s had enough. with permanent physical damage Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) in call- “I ignored them. Most of the time, and trauma after being attacked ing for President Donald Trump ROWN HEIGHTS, I ignored them,” he said. “I don’t with a rock. to drop waivers on domestic Ira- N.Y.—The mood in know if I’m going to ignore them “I can’t imagine that my father nian power projects under the Crown Heights was anymore.” would have wanted to file a report U.S. nuclear deal with Iran and Iran has made it very clear a surreal mix of fear, On Jan. 5, thousands of people had this law been enacted so that to reimpose tough international that they are just trying angst, and indiffer- marched across the Brooklyn his attacker could find out all his sanctions against Tehran. to wait out the Trump ence. Police officers Bridge as part of a “No Hate, No information,” she said. “It’s liter- “On Sunday, Iran backed out of Cand emergency vehicles lined the Fear” rally in support of the Jewish ally a danger to the victims, after catastrophic Obama-Iran nuclear administration and among main street in the Brooklyn, New community. During that march, everything they go through.” deal, which they’ve long exploited other things secure an end to York, neighborhood as Jewish Cuomo said he wants to pass a law “It’s not only adding insult to inju- to build up their nuclear facilities,” the arms embargo. school buses carrying children labeling hate crimes as domestic ry, but adding injury to more injury.” the lawmakers said in a joint state- drove in and out. terrorism; he’s also released $45 The suspect in her father’s case is ment released Jan. 6. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ted Scores of Hasidic Jews walked million in funding allocations facing charges of assault as a hate “There are no more pretenses. Cruz (R-Texas), and Rep. Liz Cheney past each other along the street, to protect at-risk institutions. crime and criminal possession of Iran has made it very clear that (R-Wyo.) barely glancing up at the ramped- The grant is made available on a a weapon. The man allegedly had they are just trying to wait out the up security around them, which is statewide basis, through the New yelled anti-Semitic slurs at the fa- Trump administration and among 2 now a recurring presence in their York State Division of Homeland ther as well. other things secure an end to the Both the Obama and Trump ad-

life. Scattered groups spoke among Chung I. Ho/The Epoch Times Security and Emergency Services. Esther Gopin said she was “en- arms embargo, which is set to ex- ministrations issued waivers cov- themselves, some in hushed, mut- Meanwhile, four Orthodox Jew- raged, frustrated, and furious” pire in October 2020. The United ering the three projects following An Iranian technician works at the Uranium Conversion Facilities in Isfahan, Iran, in this file photo. ed tones. ish lawmakers are urging Cuomo over the new legislation. She said States gains nothing by pretend- the adoption of the JCPOA. Trump to declare a state of emergency over her father was able to fight off his ing otherwise,” they said in the didn’t remove the waivers, how- the recent spate of anti-Semitic attacker, although had it been statement. snapback to restore international The Fordow Project is an under- enough plutonium to complete at ever, after announcing in 2018 that crimes and to deploy the National someone weaker who was at- Cruz and Graham are mem- sanctions and restrictions on Iran.” ground enrichment facility that’s least one nuclear weapon annu- the U.S. no longer recognizes the Members of the Jewish Guard to patrol Orthodox Jewish tacked, they might have died. bers of the Senate Foreign Rela- The “snapback” sanctions are clearly intended for use as a nu- ally. Under the JCPOA, Iran said JCPOA. community are becoming neighborhoods. “I lose hope from things like this. tions Committee, while Cheney those that were in place through clear weapons resource, in viola- it would redesign the reactor to Cruz, Graham, and Cheney in- frustrated and inflamed In another example of Jewish It’s literally not just counterpro- is a member of the House Armed the United Nations when the tion of the JCPOA, according to the reduce its capabilities. troduced anti-waiver bills in No- residents taking a more proac- ductive, it almost rewards this Services Committee. JCPOA was signed in 2015. They three legislators. “However, Iran’s nuclear chief vember 2019. over the uptick in anti- tive approach, Gopin said a large negative behavior,” she said. “It’s Referring to the deal negoti- were aimed at Iran’s nuclear re- Under the JCPOA, Iran negotia- bragged the project can be easily “The U.S. must revoke waivers for Semitism, which has become amount of pepper spray has been almost like insurance that it’s go- ated by former President Barack search and development efforts. tors agreed that the project would reversed because Iran secretly im- ‘civil nuclear’ projects established increasingly violent in nature. distributed for free to the commu- ing to continue.” Obama and then-Secretary of The JCPOA included a provision be converted to a research center, ported illicit parts, allowing them by President Obama’s nuclear deal. nity. She said somebody else has The suspect wasn’t caught until State John Kerry, formally known that would renew the sanctions for which its centrifuges used in to quickly reverse all the changes,” These waivers legitimize Iran’s il- But soon another picture taken over the initiative and that a few weeks after the attack, and as the Joint Comprehensive Plan in the event that Iran violated the uranium enrichment would no the legislators said last year. licit nuclear infrastructure-even emerged, one not only of fear but a few thousand dollars have been he was back on the streets “within of Action (JCPOA), the legislators agreement and at least one of the longer be useful. The Tehran Research Reactor is as the regime continues on a path also of defiance, as dozens of vio- raised to distribute the products days,” according to Gopin. pointed to two actions they be- other nations that entered the deal “Iran skated on the obligation to allowed under the JCPOA to use of nuclear escalation at sites like lent anti-Semitic attacks have tak- across the state. “How do you think that makes lieve Trump should take as soon objected. Besides the United States, fully convert the facility and ear- imported highly enriched ura- the Fordow bunker, where Iran re- en place in recent months across me feel? I don’t feel safe here, and as possible: the signers included Britain, France, lier this month injected uranium nium in activities devoted solely cently resumed uranium enrich- the wider New York metropolitan Bail Reform that was before the bail reform. So “First, President Trump should im- Germany, Russia, and China. into centrifuges there,” the three to civil nuclear power technology ment,” Cheney said in November. area, including Crown Heights. A new bail law that’s been criti- imagine now after the bail reform mediately end all civil-nuclear waiv- The project waivers are crucial to said in a Nov. 18, 2019, statement. development, as defined under the About 25 percent of the popula- cized by some Jewish leaders of- when it’s physically impossible to ers. Second, he should order our dip- Iran’s ability to continue develop- The Arak Reactor is a heavy- international nuclear Non-Prolif- Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark. tion in Crown Heights are Hasidic ficially went into effect on Jan. keep people in [prison]. lomats to invoke the United Nations ment on three projects. water reactor capable of making eration Treaty (NPT). [email protected] Jews. The neighborhood is also (Top) Bardy’s in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Jan. 7, 2020. 1. New York passed bail reform Other Jewish residents, such as home to Caribbean immigrants legislation in April 2019 that was Gopin and Berg, all called for the from Jamaica and the West In- (Above) Bardy’s store owner Jose Bard-Wigdor at his store in Crown Heights, estimated to cause at least a “40 state to enact stricter legislation, Brooklyn, on Jan. 7, 2020. dies, in addition to some African percent reduction overall in the specifically for hate crimes. Americans. state’s pretrial jail population,” ac- Members of the Jewish commu- ‘They want to take a stand for to an applicant.” In New York, the cording to the Vera Institute of Ignorance, Respect nity, including local store owners themselves and are starting possession of a loaded handgun Justice. The president’s daughter, Ivanka and longtime residents, told The these grassroots movements to outside of the home or place of Under the new laws, some sus- Trump, noted on Twitter in De- Epoch Times in interviews that for defend the community, protect business without a permit is pro- pects in the recent anti-Semitic at- cember that “attacks on Jewish USMCA Advances to Full Senate After Committee Approval the first time in recent memory, the community.” hibited. tacks have been quickly released New Yorkers were reported almost they are becoming frustrated and Her father, Abraham Gopin, was Bard-Wigdor cast some of the without bail. Judges can no longer every single day this past week.” Mark Wilson/Getty Images inflamed over the uptick in anti- attacked and beaten with a rock in blame for the growing anti-Se- set bail for many misdemeanors, There are multiple factors that Zachary Stieber Semitism, which has become in- August while jogging. mitic rhetoric on politicians. including assaults without seri- contribute to anti-Semitism, with creasingly violent in nature. In one recent case, Tiffany Har- “Unfortunately, some Democrats ous injury, and other non-violent ignorance and a lack of respect be- The Senate Finance Committee approved They said members are increas- ris, a woman accused of slapping in Congress, two or three people, felonies. ing mentioned often by members sending the U.S.–Mexico–Canada trade ingly talking about starting grass- three people in an apparent anti- are very anti-Semitic, and the Mendy, who works at a local Jew- of the Jewish community. agreement to the full Senate in a 25–3 vote roots movements to defend the Semitic attack in Crown Heights, population will start to react to ish store in the neighborhood and Gopin said that the socio-eco- on Jan. 7. community and for Jewish resi- was charged with attempted as- their political agendas.” Reps. Il- declined to give his last name, said nomic issues within the neighbor- Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Sheldon White- dents to be armed, through con- sault as a hate crime. A day after han Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida the new legislation is one of the hood and a general “lack of edu- house (D-R.I.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) voted cealed carry and other means, in being freed without bail, Harris Tliab (D-Mich.) have previously factors contributing to the increase cation” have also led to a “lot of against advancing the bill. response to perceived inaction by was arrested again for a second been condemned and criticized for in anti-Semitic attacks. juvenile delinquents on the street.” Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R- the government. At the same time, alleged assault. anti-Semitic rhetoric. “I think a lot of it could be bail “There is a small number of ig- Iowa), during the hearing on the trade deal, many in the Jewish community re- reform. There are no consequences norant youth who are getting their called it “one of the most important pieces main fearful, some having become Concealed Carry for what these people are doing,” information from people who are of legislation we can do this year.” too afraid to be out often in public. Anti-Semitic incidents in New he said. Mendy has been working trying to incite them into doing “USMCA will bring much-needed certain- This rising defiance is part of new York have continued into the new It’s unbelievable. This is at the store for almost a year and bad things,” Berg said. ty and real benefits to America’s farmers, rhetoric that’s spreading within year. Jose Bard-Wigdor, the owner Brooklyn, this is New York a half. Bard-Wigdor, meanwhile, said workers, and businesses. Farmers are get- the community, one with more of Bardy’s, a local jewelry and ac- Jewish leaders have told The Ep- that young people, who are often ting better and more reliable market access, focus on personal action. Some cessories store in the neighbor- in 2020 and we’re literally och Times that the law needs to the perpetrators in anti-Semitic which farmers badly need. Workers will described the new security added hood, told The Epoch Times that defending ourselves. be revamped to ensure there are attacks, have to be educated “not see thousands of new jobs, particularly in across Jewish communities in New Jews have to “learn from history.” no loopholes. They said they don’t only in anti-Semitism, but also in high-wage manufacturing industries. Busi- York as akin to “putting a band- “The first things that the Nazis Esther Gopin, resident, Brooklyn believe the purpose of the legisla- general respect for society. nesses will have an agreement that reflects aid over a gaping wound”—a short- did in Germany were to remove tion was to help criminals. “They have to learn to respect the realities of modern commerce, including term solution that plays no part in the weapons of the general popula- It doesn’t mean eliminating the Jewish people,” he said. “With- for the $1.3 trillion U.S. digital economy,” solving the root of the issue. tion, especially the Jewish people,” Bard-Wigdor said both the New new bail reform legislation entire- out respecting one another, soci- Grassley said. Jewish residents, some of whom Bard-Wigdor said. “I think the York City mayor and the state’s ly, said Mendy, who suggested that ety goes downhill. Respect is very “There are some aspects of this bill that I only provided their first names for Jewish people should increasingly governor don’t do enough in com- it just needs some adjustments. important in order to survive in don’t particularly like, but as I reflect on how fear of retaliation, also blamed buy weapons and carry-ons.” bating anti-Semitism and said the “I think a re-examination [is any society, in any country, and we got here, I’m proud of the hard work of new bail-reform laws—which let The 64-year-old said that he youth in the community also need needed]. At least for people who in any town.” many individuals that made it possible to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) (L) talks with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) during a hearing offenders out of prison without doesn’t believe members in their more education on respecting dif- do things multiple times,” he said, One Jewish resident, who goes by achieve a strong agreement and a bill that on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 24, 2019. paying bail—as being too lenient, community should be vigilantes, ferent cultures. In statements over citing the case involving Harris. Menachem and declined to give his could garner broad support.” saying it encourages attackers to but that everyone has the right the past few weeks, both Mayor “They shouldn’t be able to just do last name for security reasons, said re-offend. In December alone, to defend themselves. Some of Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew something, get out of jail, and do the community must deal with the there were at least 13 anti-Semitic the more violent incidents in re- Cuomo have pledged to boost the something again.” increase in anti-Semitic attacks incidents. cent weeks involve a 37-year-old police presence in Jewish commu- Prosecutors under the new bail “by standing strong and not be- Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) pushed the House agreement.” peachment trial takes place. The trial hasn’t Some said a handful of other fac- suspect accused of stabbing five nities across the city. reform laws are now also required ing afraid.” USMCA will bring much- to include putting regulators on the ground “It’s the first time we are ever going to go started because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tors have contributed to the rise people celebrating Hanukkah at a Bard-Wigdor was born in South to hand defense attorneys pretrial The best way to combat hate needed certainty and real to help identify when factories in Mexico backwards on a trade agreement. The coun- (D-Calif.) hasn’t yet sent the impeachment in anti-Semitic attacks, including rabbi’s home, and a shooting at a America, where he said he was access to a list of personal informa- crimes, according to Gopin, is to benefits to America’s farmers, violate labor rules. try’s specific rules of origins are complete- articles to the Senate. general ignorance, divisiveness be- kosher supermarket in New Jersey victim to two anti-Semitic attacks, tion, according to the New York address it as firmly as possible. “The enforcement process will take a frac- ly antithetical to a continental free trade Grassley, on Jan. 7, thanked his colleagues, tween the different communities, that left two Hasidic Jews dead. with the second incident leaving him Post, “including potentially the “If we don’t stand up for our- workers, and businesses. tion of the time it has in the past. No more agreement and designed to raise the cost to stating: “This is a big bipartisan vote. A re- and socio-economic issues within Jewish people should conceal badly injured, after being punched names and contact details of wit- selves and make a fuss and de- Farmers are getting better and forcing American businesses and workers American consumers of buying Mexican minder that when Congress works together the neighborhood. carry even without a permit, Bard- in the face. He said his father was nesses in their cases.” mand better, we won’t get it. I more reliable market access, to wait around for what seems like eons, cars,” he said. in a bipartisan way, the American people “It’s unbelievable. This is Brook- Wigdor says, “because if the gov- “in the camps in Europe,” which he “In a situation like this, you’d think that responsibility falls on while trade cheats rip them off,” Wyden said. The Democratic-controlled House passed greatly benefit. I want to thank my col- lyn, this is New York in 2020 and ernment doesn’t do the job, we survived, and later relocated to Ar- imagine that the community lead- the Jewish community and Jew- which farmers badly need. Toomey said the North American Free USMCA on Dec. 19, 2019, in a 385–41 bipar- leagues again for working with the Trump we’re literally defending our- have to do our job.” gentina to start a new life. ers and the politicians would be ish community leaders,” she said. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) Trade Agreement was only renegotiated be- tisan vote, one day after impeaching Presi- administration and me and Senator Wyden. selves,” 24-year-old Esther Gopin, Residents in New York state Yuda Berg, a 47-year-old father taking a stand against this and en- “It falls on everybody in New York cause the Trump administration wanted to dent Donald Trump in a sharply partisan I want to thank members of my finance who was born and raised in Crown who want to conceal carry must who was born and raised in the acting legislation that would stop, because it’s not just affecting the fix a trade deficit with Mexico. vote. Democrats said they made substantial committee trade staff for their very, very Heights, told The Epoch Times. “I pass basic requirements and ap- neighborhood, told The Epoch prevent, or penalize such behav- people who are directly being at- Senate Finance Committee ranking While he supported modernizing trade changes to the deal, including strengthening hard work.” think this is the first period that proval from local law enforce- Times that he’s afraid to send his ior,” Gopin said. “Instead, they’re tacked, it affects everybody.” member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said the with Canada and Mexico, Toomey said that enforcement. “I look forward to a vote on the Senate I can remember where the Jew- ment, which “has discretion in children out into the community. literally doing the opposite.” “It affects the whole fabric of our Trump administration’s initial USMCA some of the changes “are meant to dimin- While Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc- floor, hopefully soon, for final passage,” he ish people here are actually really determining whether or not to He says he’s had verbal anti-Semit- Gopin referred to the case with society and it starts with us,” she said, bill “looked like more of the status quo” ish trade and investment. And this, my col- Connell (R-Ky.) said, he expected to put said. Trump is expected to sign the bill if the getting fed up.” issue a concealed weapons permit ic slurs directed at him in the past, her father, who was in the hospital “but it ends with everybody else.” regarding enforcement. Still, he and Sen. leagues, is what I think is wrong with this USMCA on the back burner as the Senate im- Senate passes it. 8 | OUR NATION Week 2, 2020 Week 2, 2020 OUR NATION | 9

-/AFP via Getty Images Rent-a-Mobs Will Not Ease Khamenei’s Grim Future -/AFP via Getty Images

Michael Ledeen Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Commentary Semnan, Iran, on There are demon- Nov. 8, 2006. strations all over Iran for a big good- bye to Gen. Qassem Soleimani. But the bulk of the demonstrators are there, not because they wish to pay tribute to the fallen martyr, but because they have to be. They have been commanded to be present, and, in addition to their fees, they are getting food and transporta- tion to the various mob sites. So it’s a very big rent-a-mob. But don’t for a minute fall for the propa- ganda. Of the 80 million inhabitants of Iran, probably 70 million are pleased that Soleimani is dead. The killing of Soleimani has changed the world, as the world always chang- es when the United States moves deci- sively. For 40 years, no U.S. president dared strike at the heart of the Islamic the Iranian dictators. But the Persian won’t work. Republic. It didn’t much matter if the The killing of tyrants know that they have tens of Indeed, Khamenei faces a grim fu- president was a lefty or a righty, a millions of opponents, and relentlessly ture. Not only does he face an incipi- Democrat or a Republican, the basic Soleimani has crack down on them. Khamenei re- ent uprising in his own country once war game was always the same: We changed the cently told a would-be intermediary the Soleimani circus is over, but he invaded Iran, and lost. If we played world, as the from Oman that he didn’t want an must deal with open rebellion against the war game today, chances are good Omani middleman to mediate the Iranian influence in Iraq, Lebanon, that 80 million Iranian people would world always many conflicts between Tehran and Syria, and the lesser powers. It won’t fight on our side, and the leaders of changes when Washington. be easy for him. the regime would be given a choice the United While Moscow and Beijing see the Iraqi Kurds inspect a of lamp posts. wisdom of cooperating with Trump, crater reportedly caused States moves Trump Opts for Sanctions, Offers by an Iranian missile Note that Iran’s key allies, Russia and Tehran is banking on his defeat in initially fired at Iraqi China, aren’t adding their voices to the decisively. November. It would be fascinating to Moscow and Beijing see the bases housing U.S. and calls for revenge against the Trump study the exchange of documents with U.S.-led coalition troops, administration. China gave the United Trump’s U.S. opponents, to see what wisdom of cooperating with Peace After No US Casualties in in the Kurdish town of States the keys to a Chinese app that plans the Iranians made to drag out Trump, but Tehran is banking on Bardarash, Iraq, on Jan. 8, 2020. the Iranians had been using for their the process of negotiation. his defeat in November. secure communications. Accounts In any case, those plans have now Iran Missile Strikes differ as to whether the transfer took been knocked into a cocked hat. place before or after the most recent With the death of Soleimani, many As we can read at the Belmont Club round of violence in Iran, culminating of Iran’s schemes perished. Iran is blog, “There may have been enough Ivan Pentchoukov “The Trump administration has -fi “Trump may have been in many During the speech at the White in the elimination of Soleimani, but it scrambling to save face, as in Iraq, resources to launch covert ops against nally drawn some very proper and le- ways responsible for the ongoing ten- House, the president referred to So- certainly wasn’t the sort of help that where the United States is reinforc- America, but there is way too little to resident Donald Trump These powerful gal and strategically smart red lines sions with Iran, but, much as he did leimani as “the world’s top terrorist.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khame- ing its troop commitment, and Leba- confront it openly.” ordered the imposition of sanctions will that, if crossed by Iran, will result in with North Korea, he has chosen at the The Quds Force, which Soleimani led, nei was hoping for. non and Syria, where Soleimani was additional sanctions on serious damage to the Iranian terror- last minute to seek a more conciliatory is part of the Islamic Revolutionary And as for Russia, just before the New a principal architect of Iran’s domina- Michael Ledeen is a freedom Iran on Jan. 8 in response remain until ist machine,” said Peter Huessy, the approach,” Ashford said in a comment Guard Corps, which the United States Year’s celebrations, this took place, as tion. Iran will go all-out to achieve a scholar at Foundation for Defense to missile strikes a day ear- Iran changes its president of defense consulting firm to The Epoch Times via email. designated as a terrorist group in 2019. reported by Radio Free Europe: U.S. withdrawal, but its chances are of Democracies. He has served as a Plier, which targeted but didn’t harm behavior. GeoStrategic Analysis. “By choosing not to respond to Ira- Trump accused Soleimani of orches- “Russian authorities say that they poor. Trump didn’t order the killing consultant to the National Security any U.S. forces in Iraq. “It is also long since past the time nian strikes with further military trating the recent attacks on Ameri- have taken into custody two suspects of Soleimani in order to withdraw Council and the departments of “The United States will immedi- President Donald when our NATO and all our Middle action, thankfully, the president has cans in Iraq and the assault on the U.S. in connection with a purported plot from the battlefield; if anything, he State and Defense, and as a special ately impose additional punishing Trump East allies took more seriously the given the United States a window to Embassy. to carry out terrorist attacks in St. Pe- will intensify U.S. efforts. adviser to the secretary of state. economic sanctions on the Iranian threat from Iran—and took the neces- reflect and try to figure out how to “He trained terrorist armies, in- tersburg on New Year’s Eve that was The killing of Soleimani was only He is the author of 35 books, most regime. These powerful sanctions will sary action to deter and defeat Iranian avoid further conflict.” cluding Hezbollah, launching ter- foiled, in part, based on an intelligence one in a series of planned U.S. respons- recently “Field of Fight: How to Win remain until Iran changes its behav- action, and work toward the day when Trump said he will ask NATO to get rorist strikes against civilian targets. tip from the United States. es to Iranian aggression, and in the the War Against Radical Islam and ior,” Trump, flanked by military of- the Iranian people take action to en- more involved with the Middle East. He fueled bloody civil wars all across “The Federal Security Service (FSB) an- days since the strike, there have been Its Allies,” co-authored with retired ficials, told reporters gathered at the sure the mullah regime is no more.” The president also underlined the size the region. He viciously wounded and nounced last weekend that the men were many arrests and there will be more. Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn. White House. Trump said that Iran appears to be and strength of the U.S. military, but murdered thousands of U.S. troops, detained on December 27, based on infor- Tehran will keep ordering its proxies Iran fired missiles at two Iraqi mili- standing down from further attacks. emphasized that the power is best including the planting of roadside mation from their ‘American partners.’” to hit Americans and U.S. bases, but Views expressed in this article are tary bases that host American forces Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad used as a deterrent. bombs that maim and dismember Trump wants a working partnership such efforts will only lead to more Ira- the opinions of the author and do on Jan. 8 in response to the killing Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter that the “The fact that we have this great mil- their victims,” Trump said. with the Russians, as he does with nian deaths and arrests. The Iranian not necessarily reflect the views of of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head country had “concluded proportionate itary and equipment, however, does Tensions with Iran began to escalate the Chinese, and as he wanted with strategy of fighting to the last Arab The Epoch Times. of Iran’s Quds Force. Trump said he measures in self-defense.” not mean we have to use it. We do not after Trump exited the multinational authorized the attack on the general, Emma Ashford, a research fellow at want to use it,” Trump said. “American nuclear deal secured by the Obama Sabah Arar/AFP via Getty Images whom he called a “ruthless terrorist,” the Cato Institute, welcomed the de- strength, both military and economic, administration. Trump reimposed because Soleimani was plotting an im- escalation. is the best deterrent.” tough sanctions on the Islamic regime, minent attack on American citizens. crippling its economy and contribut- As Iran vowed to avenge Soleimani’s Trump said he Planet/Handout via REUTERS. ing to widespread protests. The presi- killing, Trump warned the Islamic dent had long criticized the 2015 Iran regime that the United States would will be asking nuclear deal as a failure. He said dur- respond swiftly. With no Americans NATO to get ing his speech on Jan. 8 that the money harmed, Trump opted for sanctions more involved Iran received as part of the agreement and said he was ready for peace. was used to build the missiles that “To the people and leaders of Iran: We with the Middle were fired at U.S. forces on Jan. 7. want you to have a future and a great East. Trump made the statement as Demo- future—one that you deserve, one of crats in Congress pushed for details on prosperity at home, and harmony with the intelligence that led to the decision the nations of the world. The United to kill Soleimani. Following Trump’s States is ready to embrace peace with speech, Senate Minority Leader Chuck all who seek it,” Trump said. Schumer (D-N.Y.) condemned the at- Trump didn’t offer details on the tacks but noted that the United States sanctions. The Treasury Department What appears to doesn’t seek war. didn’t respond to a request by The Ep- be new damage at “I condemn the attack by the Iranian och Times for details. Al Asad air base government and remain concerned According to the president, Iran’s in Iraq is seen in about the risk of a further escalation of attacks didn’t harm any Americans a satellite photo hostilities in the Middle East,” Schum- taken on Jan. 8, because of “precautions taken, the dis- 2020. er said on the floor of the Senate. “The persal of forces, and an early warning American people do not want a war system that worked very well.” Planet/Handout via REUTERS with Iran and the president does not Trump’s choice of sanctions over an have the authority to wage one.” armed response isn’t the first time Republicans are backing the presi- that he’s exercised restraint in han- dent’s decision to impose sanctions. dling Iranian provocations. Iran has “The United States does not seek con- downed two U.S. drones, attacked flict but is prepared to protect Ameri- and seized oil tankers in international can lives and interests. Iran should not waters, and fired missiles at Saudi oil question our collective will by launch- facilities. ing further attacks,” said Senate Ma- Iran appeared to have crossed an jority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) unspoken line when one of its proxy “‘Peace through strength’—That was terrorist groups in Iraq killed an the Reagan doctrine, and that is the American contractor. After U.S. forc- measured approach we are seeing es responded with airstrikes against from the Trump administration to- the terrorists, the group’s supporters day,” House Minority Leader Kevin stormed the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. McCarthy (R-Calif.) wrote on Twitter. Shortly after, a U.S. drone strike killed A satellite image “Thank you to our President and to shows damage at Soleimani, along with the leader of Al Asad air base our courageous troops for returning the umbrella group of Iran’s proxies in Iraq on Jan. 8, America to a position of respect and in Iraq. 2020. admiration around the world.” Crowds surround a vehicle during the funeral procession for Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad on Jan. 4, 2020. 10 | OUR NATION Week 2, 2020 Week 2, 2020 OUR NATION | 11

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Blame for FBI’s FISA Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times Abuse Should Be Put Where It Belongs

Marc Ruskin is critical, both because of its ef- fects on the public’s perception of Commentary our national police (the FBI), and Last month, the its implications for restorative and Department of punitive action. Justice released If FBI special agents are to main- a report on an tain their special position as the internal inves- world’s elite law enforcers, the tigation by its in- blame for these recent bad acts spector general (IG) exposing how must be clearly and publicly placed spying occurred on a campaign at the feet of the culpable parties. aide of President Donald Trump. Nothing short of criminal prosecu- The report could culminate in tions will serve this necessary step a series of prosecutions overseen for the restoration of the bureau’s by Attorney General William Barr, credibility and its reputation for who appointed the unflappable impeccable integrity.

John Durham, a veteran U.S. at- A careful analysis of IG Michael Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times torney of impeccable integrity, to Horowitz’s report and relevant investigate all aspects of Spygate further investigate the matters congressional testimony reveals and to follow all the evidentiary being examined by the inspector that the FBI’s upper management threads to their logical conclu- general. bypassed the field so as to com- sions—to wherever they may lead. mit the fraud upon the FISA Court. Critics of the president have FISA applications are, as a matter pointed to the IG’s assertion that of course and common practice, there were no documented find- reviewed by primary legal advisers ings of political motivation for The FBI rank-and-file always (PLAs), the FBI agent-attorneys in the bad acts at FBI headquarters. understood that they weren’t field offices, before being submit- But it wasn’t the IG’s job to make the object of the president’s ted up the chain of command. conclusions as to motives, nor to The reviews, called Woods re- speculate as to whether the mo- ire. They know it was the views, are conducted with pains- tivations were political or other- bureau’s leadership that was taking detail and are frequently wise. His error was to even allude being called into question. kicked back to the requesting case to motivation. His job, which he agents for revision and further evi- completed successfully, was to as- dentiary support. certain whether there had been J. Edgar Hoover would be turn- Congressional testimony con- behavior, acts, or omissions that The Supreme Court of the United States in Washington on Dec. 4, 2018. ing in his grave upon hearing these cerning the review of Trump presi- (Top) Former FBI Director internal morale to diminish, and violated either criminal law or findings. dential campaign volunteer Carter James Comey makes his way to externally degrading the bureau’s Department of Justice regulations. Only a few short years ago, Page (in connection with Page’s a closed hearing on Capitol Hill reputation for integrity. The hubris on June 8, 2017. Trump was attacked by the media possible ties to Russian intelligence that seems to be a fundamental as- IG Report and Impeachment and politicians for criticizing the officers) FISA warrant applications (Above) Department of Justice pect of Comey’s character is truly The IG report was issued on Dec. 9, FBI and the nation’s intelligence made no reference to the field PLA Inspector General Michael astounding. 2019. Just nine days later, on Dec. Horowitz testifies in front of the Supreme Court to Hear Religious services. The implication was that review; the only logical inference His performance when inter- 18, the House of Representatives Senate Judiciary Committee in the FBI’s rank-and-file were being is that such reviews were never Washington on Dec. 11, 2019. viewed by Chris Wallace on Dec. voted to issue articles of impeach- critiqued, and therefore, their mo- conducted. 15, 2019, was primarily charac- ment that accused the president of rale was sinking, impairing their This would have been a virtual (Bottom) FBI headquarters in terized by his sheer chutzpah on abuse of power and obstruction of Freedom Case on School Choice Washington on Jan. 2, 2020. ability to protect us. This was the impossibility unless the field of- display. Confronted with the many Congress. As neither of the articles opinion from those who have, his- fices were bypassed and the plot repeated, outrageous acts executed alleges any violation of statutes torically, hardly been supportive was the brainchild of FBI head- on his watch, he declared his relief enumerated in the Federal Penal of FBI agents and CIA case officers. quarters desk jockeys, rather than that the bureau had been vindi- Code, the impeachment is histori- Rob Natelson clauses potentially violate Rule No. rejected by Catholics and Jews. height of the anti-Catholic furor. But the rank-and-file of the “real” agents. cated by the IG report. cally unique, the first of its kind. 1 by supporting secular schools but The Protestant public school (By contrast, the word “nonsec- FBI always understood that they This conclusion is further sup- When Comey said he was un- The tortuous route that the im- Commentary One wonders not religious ones. In defense, states establishment wanted to protect tarian” was used favorably on the weren’t the object of the presi- ported and essentially confirmed aware of the details of an inves- peachment process has followed On Jan. 22, the how protecting argue this discrimination is per- its privileged access to state funds. convention floor.) dent’s ire. by the title given to the entire tigation affecting Trump while is ultimately rooted in the election Supreme Court a state school missible to avoid state “entangle- So it convinced state constitution- In 1972, Montana discarded its Quite the opposite, they know it investigation. Major FBI inves- a presidential candidate, there of a president whose assumption will hear a re- ment” with religion. writers to ban public aid to “sectar- first constitution for a replacement. was the bureau’s upper manage- tigations are characteristically is little doubt that the statement of power has been anathema to ligious freedom monopoly can The Espinoza case serves as an ian” competitors. But the convention drafting the ment—the leadership—that was be- endowed with a title. Notable was false, particularly in view of those who opposed him most ve- case. The out- justify violating example. The Montana legislature “Sectarian” was a very convenient new document preserved the anti- ing called into question. Historical- examples are ABSCAM (a federal former Attorney General Loretta hemently. come will determine religious passed a law allowing taxpayers word for the Protestant public school sectarian clause. It did so even after ly, the FBI’s field agent culture has corruption investigation in the Lynch’s statement to Horowitz that whether states may manage their to take income tax credits of up to establishment. Nineteenth- and the delegates were warned about been at odds with upper manage- late 1970s and early 1980s that in March 2016 she was informed— educational systems to discrimi- freedom. $150 if they donated to foundations early 20th-century dictionaries, the sordid history of such provi- ment, viewing it as an impediment led to the convictions of a senator in person by Comey and then-FBI nate against religion or favor some granting K-12 scholarships. The newspapers, and other sources show sions. Moreover, supporters of the to the pursuit of significant investi- and six congressman, in addition Deputy Andrew McCabe—that The hubris that seems to religions over others. Montana Supreme Court voided that it encompassed all religions ex- new constitution affirmed repeat- gations. Now, the rank-and-file are to other officials) and MIBURN Page was being investigated in be a fundamental aspect of The case is Espinoza v. Mon- the law, claiming it breached the cept mainline Protestantism. In the edly—both during the convention for the most part appalled to learn (Mississippi Burning—the FBI’s connection with possible ties to tana Department of Revenue. The state constitution’s anti-sectarian rhetoric of the time, Catholics were and during the subsequent ratifica- from the inspector general’s report investigation into the murder of Russian intelligence officers. Comey’s character is truly plaintiffs are religious families with clause because the law permitted “sectarian.” So were Jews, Mormons, tion campaign—that the new clause about the deception and abuses, three civil rights workers by the At that time, apparently, Comey astounding. children. The defendant is a state scholarships for students in reli- Muslims—and even those Protestant had the same meaning as the old. the outright fraud perpetrated by Ku Klux Klan, memorialized in the was fully conversant with the mi- agency that claims the Montana gious as well as in secular schools. evangelicals the mainliners thought And they were right about that: the bureau’s upper ranks on the film starring Gene Hackman and nor details, the minutiae, of the constitution requires it to deny edu- For justification, the court cited over-enthusiastic. The one group Dictionaries circulating in 1972 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Willem Dafoe). case. Comey’s veracity is further Just as with impeachment, the cational choice to those families. the need to support government never called sectarian were main- confirm the insulting definition of Act (FISA) Court. The laughably cinematic and called into question by his state- series of events leading to the IG The U.S. Supreme Court in- schools and avoid state entangle- line Protestants. “sectarian.” These were acts and omissions hyper-dramatic title given to the ments to the IG, in which he stated report and the Barr-Dunham terprets the Constitution’s First ment with religion. Anti-sectarian clauses were There are several reasons to hope emanating from and conducted Carter Page investigation, “Cross- that he didn’t recall the conversa- probe are rooted in the very same Amendment to impose several One wonders how protecting a designed to permit public money to the plaintiffs win the Espinoza within the concrete walls of JEH— fire Hurricane,” would never have tion with Lynch. He said he didn’t series of events: the campaign, rules governing how states treat state school monopoly can justify flow to Episcopal, Methodist, and case. First, the Montana Supreme The Hoover Building housing the been selected nor accepted by griz- merely fail to recall the details, but the election, and the assumption religion. Two rules are central to violating religious freedom. Also, Presbyterian schools while denying Court overreached when it struck FBI’s upper management. zled street agents. that he failed to recall the very oc- of executive authority by Trump, the Espinoza case. the U.S. Supreme Court has held it to Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, and down the entire scholarship credit The FISA abuses described in Former FBI Director James Com- currence of the conversation. which have been anathema to Rule No. 1 is that government that a single buffer between the Catholic schools. law, because only a narrower issue the IG report were neither created ey’s testimony and statements, This denial defies credulity: The establishment mandarins—the may not discriminate against reli- state and a religious school—stu- Constitutional commentators was before the court. The Montana nor executed by FBI field agents in from 2016 onward, have done conversation wasn’t one pertain- highly placed “deep state” actors gion or religious people generally. dent choice—is sufficient to avoid often call anti-sectarian clauses justices have a history of overreach their field offices. This distinction much to harm the FBI, causing ing to a relatively insignificant in the FBI and the DOJ. The courts sometimes allow offi- “entanglement.” The Montana law “Blaine Amendments,” after the of which the U.S. Supreme Court is investigation. Rather, the matter Now, we see the genius of the cials to bend this rule to avoid state actually created a triple buffer: the 19th-century statesman James G. well aware, having reversed them Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times was one of clearly historic impor- framers in forming a tripartite sys- “entanglement” with religion or choice of the donor, the choice of Blaine. Supposedly they originated several times recently. tance, involving as it did the first- tem of power. They understood that religious institutions. For example, the scholarship foundation, and the with a proposed amendment to the Second, the U.S. Supreme Court ever investigation of a presidential one or more of the three branches a state granting educational schol- choice of the student or his or her U.S. Constitution that Blaine spon- already has served notice that anti- campaign, an investigation with would always tend to exceed its arships to students in most courses family. sored in 1875 while a member of sectarian clauses are constitution- potential international implica- powers. In the past, it has, at times, of study may deny support for So in all probability, if we inter- Congress. Allegedly Blaine did so in ally suspect. tions, involving possible meddling been the executive. Today, it is the purely devotional theology (such as pret the word “sectarian” to mean the cause of anti-Catholic bigotry. Third, the disgraceful history of by Russia, a historically malevo- legislative branch and certain high- for ministry courses), if the denial “religious,” then Montana has dis- But that story is both inaccurate anti-sectarian clauses is so evident lent and aggressive antagonist to ly placed executives in the perma- applies to all religions equally. criminated against religion gener- and unfair to Blaine. Anti-sectar- that it’s hard to ignore. the United States. nent federal civil service who have Rule No. 2 is much stricter: The ally, thereby violating Rule No. 1. ian clauses were inserted in some Finally, almost everyone rec- The IG’s investigators were un- exceeded the limits of their defined government must treat all religions In fact, however, Montana also state constitutions well before ognizes that monopoly isn’t a able to question Comey about his authority. And the public has come equally. A state may not prohibit has violated Rule No. 2—the re- Blaine’s 1875 proposal. Moreover, good thing, particularly when it’s frequent lapses of memory–par- to recognize the fact. aid to students studying for the quirement that the state treat Blaine’s amendment, while of propped up by the state. The prob- ticularly regarding topics that Ultimately, it’s the third branch of Jewish rabbinate if it grants aid to religions equally. This is because questionable wisdom, didn’t use lems afflicting public schools—high reflected negatively on his exer- government–the judiciary–that will students studying for the Christian the history of anti-sectarian the word “sectarian” and didn’t cost, impaired effectiveness, and cise of authority and judgment in have the task of restoring balance ministry. The courts almost never clauses shows that “sectarian” isn’t overtly discriminate among political interference—are classic all Crossfire Hurricane-related and functionality to the polity. allow government officials to play a synonym for “religious” and anti- religions. Nor was Blaine anti- symptoms of government monopo- matters. Relying on legal techni- favorites among religions. sectarian clauses weren’t designed Catholic: He was devoted to his lies. Surely U.S. Supreme Court calities, Comey circumvented the Marc Ruskin, a 27-year veteran In light of these rules, it’s sur- merely to discriminate against re- Catholic mother, he may well have justices recognize that as well. questioning by declining to have of the FBI, is a regular con- prising to learn that most state ligion. Instead, they were designed been baptized in that faith, and his security clearance reinstated. tributor and the author of “The constitutions have provisions de- to discriminate in favor of some throughout his political career, he Rob Natelson is a senior fellow in But he had no such concerns for Pretender: My Life Undercover signed to favor some religions over religions and against others. stoutly resisted the anti-Catholic constitutional jurisprudence at the the niceties of security classifica- for the FBI.” He served on the others. They are anti-sectarian Here is the background: During rhetoric then favored by other Independence Institute in Denver. tion laws when, in May 2017, he legislative staff of U.S. Sen. clauses, and they require or permit the 19th and early 20th centuries, Republican politicians. As U.S. sec- He was a law professor for 25 years disseminated—that is, leaked— Daniel Patrick Moynihan and as the state to support “non-sectari- public schools usually were con- retary of state, Blaine opened our and is the author of “The Original classified memos to the press. an assistant district attorney in an” schools, but prohibit support trolled by mainline Protestants, historic Pan-American outreach to Constitution: What It Actually Said Still, Comey’s declination is un- Brooklyn, N.Y. for “sectarian” schools. and school authorities promoted (Catholic) Latin America. and Meant” (3rd ed., 2014). likely to impede the questioning But what does “sectarian” mean? mainline Protestant theology. For Anti-sectarian clauses were— likely to occur in the course of U.S. Views expressed in this article Today, many people use the word example, teachers and textbooks and are—far worse than anything Views expressed in this article are Attorney Durham’s investigation. are the opinions of the author as a synonym for “religious.” If we often taught from the King James Blaine promoted. A state conven- the opinions of the author and do Durham has been tasked by At- and do not necessarily reflect the adopt that meaning, then state Version of the Bible—a version ac- tion inserted one such clause into not necessarily reflect the views of torney General Barr to thoroughly views of The Epoch Times. constitutions with anti-sectarian cepted by most Protestants, but Montana’s first constitution at the The Epoch Times. 12 | OUR NATION Week 2, 2020

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) presides over the House of Representatives as they vote on the second article of impeachment of President Donald Trump in the House Chamber at the Capitol on Dec. 18, 2019. Phony Impeachment Becoming Democratic Debacle

Conrad Black will face a perfect storm: an im- regroup after the impeachment told the country last week that he peachment debacle, a manifestly fizzle, contemplating how to rescue came to this idea when Trump an- Commentary The way the inept and unfeasible group of candi- the House speaker out in the middle nounced he was a candidate. After a two-week impeachment dates, which will likely present the of the minefield she sowed, the new The constitutional criteria for re- holiday, the Ameri- farce is rolling alternative of reaching for an aged line is that the president is lashing moval from office of a U.S. president can public seems New York billionaire, with a larger out at Iran with no policy or justifi- have been reduced in Rep. Green’s to have forgotten out is just one fortune and ego than the incum- cation and because he is so distracted mind to the high crime and misde- that its president is victory after bent, but with practically no natural by the impeachment threat. It is one meanor of having the effrontery to supposedly fighting another for the constituency to put up against the of the many psychiatric mysteries of declare oneself to have the ambi- to hang onto his job until Election Trump army, which is itching for the Trump-hatred syndrome that its tion to seek the office: preemptive Day and avoid being the first person president. vengeance on those who have tor- expositors—despite developing the impeachment and removal from ever legally evicted from the U.S. mented their leader; or locking arms shakes, glottal stops, and an almost an office long before the offender is presidency in mid-term. This indi- behind an innocuous also-ran such complete arrest of the capacity for even nominated by any organization cates what a total failure this phony as Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). rational thought when his name is as a candidate for the office. He and impeachment has been. At least she would spare the Demo- mentioned—claim a perfect talent at his Democratic House supporters House Speaker Nancy Pelosi crats the horrible defeat that awaits mind-reading the president. make the Red Queen look like a he- (D-Calif.) doesn’t want to send the former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. A.B. Stoddard, one of the relatively mophiliac bleeding heart procedural articles of impeachment to the Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Elizabeth presentable and coherent Trump- reformer and civil rights activist. Senate, ostensibly because she re- Warren (D-Mass.), or South Bend, haters, knowingly advised her Re- Not to be left out of this comical quires the Senate to call witnesses Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg. No alClearPolitics readers on Jan. 3 that merry-go-round is Maxine “Im- the House declined to try to sub- serious American could vote for any cold terror over impeachment (he’s peach 45!” Waters, a Democratic poena. She knows that if the Senate of them for president. A majority “consumed and distracted”) caused congresswoman from Los Angeles, calls witnesses, the well-prompted would probably affirm, if polled, that Trump’s action in killing the Iranian who was completely taken in last whistleblower by hearsay, guided they are, respectively, an ancient terrorist general, Qassem Soleimani. week by pranksters claiming to be by the office of House Intelligence weather-vane with a hot air balloon It is like the Dudley Moore film Russians with information about Committee Chairman Adam Schiff for a brain, a raving Menshevik, a in which, when the aged house- Trump’s collusion with Russia. (D-Calif.), will appear and lay bare pseudo-American Indian who wants keeper flatulates, Moore screams Trump couldn’t write such an the fraudulent beginnings of the to spend $52 trillion on compulsory at the (unoffending) dog. It is all a entertaining script himself; no whole odious process, (or go down universal health care, and a glib, un- displacement: In the skilled analysis one could. Impeachment may be for 10 years for perjury). That di- distinguished mayor of a small city of his enemies, Trump ordered the distracting him, but not in a way saster would be bigger than would masquerading as a combat veteran killing of the world’s leading terror- that causes him to respond deci- just letting the Senate vote it down crusading for gay rights. ist who had severely provoked the sively to the systematic murder of overwhelmingly. Klobuchar would maintain the United States, because he was wor- Americans by Islamist terrorists. Since Senate Majority Leader Mitch party elders in their seats of power, ried about the absurd impeachment More likely, he is splitting his sides McConnell (R-Ky.) won’t accom- from which they cheated Hillary articles that allege no illegalities. laughing as the Democratic mem- modate Pelosi’s absurd demands, Clinton in 2008 and Sanders in In fact, all indications are that the bers of the Congress wallow around this will come to one of two out- 2016, and they may have to lock president is enjoying the spectacle in their “solemn, sad” duty (Pelosi), comes. Either Pelosi will abandon arms again to sand-bag Bloomberg, of his enemies wallowing in their of such urgency that it had to be the demand for Senate witnesses and though his campaign to date has not quavering self-righteousness. They rushed through the House before the Democrats will have the fallback caused a ripple anywhere, despite can’t win the issue with McConnell, Christmas, but must now await position that it was a rigged and viti- his deep open pockets. and they have passed the off-ramp completely unconstitutional conces- ated trial by partisan Republicans to All the while, ticking like the fuse for any symbolic half-measure such sions demanded by the speaker from save their president (whom most of in the Little Boy in the bomb bay of as an unctuous vote of censure; no the Senate. Donald Trump pulled them secretly would like to remove, the B-29 Enola Gay over Hiroshima one can take righteousness from this 25 million television viewers every according to the Democrats and their in August 1945 are the conclusions Democratic claque of liars seriously. week for 14 years; he knows riveting media house organs); or McConnell of the special counsel, which, if the Their most hilarious pretense to entertainment when he sees it. will tire of waiting and pass a resolu- report of the inspector general of the outrage this week is that Trump tion deferring any action until after Justice Department is any guide, are should have consulted the Democrat- Conrad Black has been one of the election, at which time the House going to incinerate the respectabil- ic congressional leadership, a sieve to Canada’s most prominent financiers will have to start all over again. ity of many veterans of the Obama the media now preoccupied with the for 40 years and was one of the McConnell must be close to being justice and intelligence apparatus spurious attempt to remove him from leading newspaper publishers in the able to pass such a vote now, and and the Hillary Clinton campaign. office, before killing Soleimani. world. He is the author of authori- there is no evidence that any signifi- Its effects will not be diluted in tative biographies of Franklin D. cant backlash would result. Under the slightest by the sleazy current Riveting Entertainment Roosevelt and Richard Nixon, and, either scenario, the Democrats get, attempt to portray the attorney gen- The way the impeachment farce is most recently “Donald J. Trump: A as they deserve, an embarrassing eral (William Barr) and the special rolling out is just one victory after President Like No Other.” fiasco that should discourage frivo- counsel (John Durham) as partisan another for the president. Al Green, lous future impeachment efforts. agents for the administration. the egregious pony-tailed Democratic Views expressed in this article are congressman from Texas, who moved the opinions of the author and do A Perfect Storm Displacement the first impeachment motion, which not necessarily reflect the views of Within a few weeks, the Democrats As the Democratic myth-makers had significant Democratic support, The Epoch Times.