Monday, May 06, 2019
Unrest In Venezuela Used To Roil Oil Markets. Here’s Why This Time It’s Different | The Daily Caller
Unrest In Venezuela Used To Roil Oil Markets. Here’s Why This Time It’s Different | The Daily Caller:
At the turn of the century, Venezuela’s daily oil production was around 3 million barrels per day, but output dramatically declined during the reign of former President Hugo Chavez, a former military officer who took control in 1999. Venezuela sits atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
“Venezuela’s oil production has collapsed in recent years,” Juan Carlos Hidalgo, a policy analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute who specializes in Latin America, told The Daily Caller News Foundation.
“Years of mismanagement, corruption and underinvestment are taking a toll,” Hidalgo said. “Oil has long been a terribly distorting factor in Venezuela’s political system.”
At the turn of the century, Venezuela’s daily oil production was around 3 million barrels per day, but output dramatically declined during the reign of former President Hugo Chavez, a former military officer who took control in 1999. Venezuela sits atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
“Venezuela’s oil production has collapsed in recent years,” Juan Carlos Hidalgo, a policy analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute who specializes in Latin America, told The Daily Caller News Foundation.
“Years of mismanagement, corruption and underinvestment are taking a toll,” Hidalgo said. “Oil has long been a terribly distorting factor in Venezuela’s political system.”
Glenn K. Beaton: Should Notre Dame include a mosque? | AspenTimes.com
Glenn K. Beaton: Should Notre Dame include a mosque? | AspenTimes.com
"Just days after Notre Dame was nearly incinerated, wealthy French families pledged close to a billion dollars to restore that magnificent monument to European Christianity — several times the anticipated cost of the restoration.
French secularists who’ve been at war against religion since at least Voltaire were furious.
First, the yellow-vested thugs protested that the money would be better spent on them, er, I mean on social justice.
And anyway, how dare wealthy families be wealthy, and how dare they remind us of it by parting with some of their wealth, and how dare they do so voluntarily?
Then, even worse, the establishment weighed in.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared that the historic Catholic church should be rebuilt “consistent with our modern, diverse nation.”
Architects — a profession devoted to foisting buildings that constitute a form onto a public that wishes their form would honestly follow their function — knew what Macron meant.
They promptly suggested adding an Islamic minaret..."
Read all.
"Just days after Notre Dame was nearly incinerated, wealthy French families pledged close to a billion dollars to restore that magnificent monument to European Christianity — several times the anticipated cost of the restoration.
French secularists who’ve been at war against religion since at least Voltaire were furious.
First, the yellow-vested thugs protested that the money would be better spent on them, er, I mean on social justice.And anyway, how dare wealthy families be wealthy, and how dare they remind us of it by parting with some of their wealth, and how dare they do so voluntarily?
Then, even worse, the establishment weighed in.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared that the historic Catholic church should be rebuilt “consistent with our modern, diverse nation.”
Architects — a profession devoted to foisting buildings that constitute a form onto a public that wishes their form would honestly follow their function — knew what Macron meant.
They promptly suggested adding an Islamic minaret..."
Read all.
Seattle elites show little sympathy for a woman raped by a homeless man. | City Journal
Seattle elites show little sympathy for a woman raped by a homeless man. | City Journal:
"A year ago, in Seattle, a man living in a city-funded homeless encampment raped a woman in the bathroom of a Volkswagen dealership in the city’s Ballard neighborhood. Christopher Teel had arrived from Texas as a transient and was evading multiple warrants, but the city-sanctioned encampment welcomed him without conducting a criminal-background check.
The story caused a sensation, with wide media coverage and public demands for increased security measures, but the crime victim remained silent and her identity was kept secret. Nearly a year later, the victim, Lindsey, contacted me. After being raped, she had approached city leaders and met with the sitting councilman for nearly an hour but was received, she says, with dismissiveness. Teel’s crime against her did not fit the preferred narrative of compassion for the homeless, so the political class downplayed it. By the time Lindsey reached out to me, she was ready to speak out.
Lindsey asked me to create a short documentary so that she could tell her story in her own words...
We edited the film together and posted it to Facebook on April 22. That evening, it was the lead story on all four local Seattle news networks and had reached more than 35,000 people on social media. The public renewed its call for warrant checks at city-sanctioned encampments. Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan condemned the assault and commended “the courage of a survivor of sexual violence to speak out.”
Then came the backlash. Progressive activists launched a counterattack against Lindsey on social media. Local journalist Erica Barnett claimed that the story drew attention because Lindsey is an “attractive blonde woman” and dismissed the victim’s “many tears” as theatrics serving a false narrative that the homeless represent a danger to the community. She demanded that the media temper its reporting and be mindful that “graphic descriptions of violent rape may be triggering for survivors.” Barnett’s message was amplified on left-wing Twitter; Councilwoman Lorena Gonzalez claimed that Lindsey’s story would create fear and cause harm to communities “that may already be triggered.”
READ ALL and BE WARNED!
READ ALL and BE WARNED!
China’s Algorithms of Repression | Reverse Engineering a Xinjiang Police Mass Surveillance App
China’s Algorithms of Repression | Reverse Engineering a Xinjiang Police Mass Surveillance App
"Since late 2016, the Chinese government has subjected the 13 million ethnic Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang to mass arbitrary detention, forced political indoctrination, restrictions on movement, and religious oppression.
Credible estimates indicate that under this heightened repression, up to one million people are being held in “political education” camps.
The government’s “Strike Hard Campaign against Violent Terrorism” has turned Xinjiang into one of China’s major centers for using innovative technologies for social control...
...This report provides a detailed description and analysis of a mobile app that police and other officials use to communicate with the Integrated Joint Operations Platform, one of the main systems Chinese authorities use for mass surveillance in Xinjiang. "
Read on.
"Since late 2016, the Chinese government has subjected the 13 million ethnic Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang to mass arbitrary detention, forced political indoctrination, restrictions on movement, and religious oppression.
Credible estimates indicate that under this heightened repression, up to one million people are being held in “political education” camps.
The government’s “Strike Hard Campaign against Violent Terrorism” has turned Xinjiang into one of China’s major centers for using innovative technologies for social control...
...This report provides a detailed description and analysis of a mobile app that police and other officials use to communicate with the Integrated Joint Operations Platform, one of the main systems Chinese authorities use for mass surveillance in Xinjiang. "
Read on.
Kobach: U.S. Message to Illegals Is 'Come to America, We'll Release You'
Kobach: U.S. Message to Illegals Is 'Come to America, We'll Release You':
Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach says the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must stop “the madness” of the expanded Catch and Release policy that has allowed more than 161,000 border crossers and illegal aliens to be released into the interior of the United States since December.
As Breitbart News has reported, DHS has released about 8,200 border crossers and illegal aliens into the U.S. over the past seven days through an expanded Catch and Release policy wherein federal immigration officials have had to grapple with less detention space and increased implementation of release programs for foreign nationals.
As Breitbart News has reported, DHS has released about 8,200 border crossers and illegal aliens into the U.S. over the past seven days through an expanded Catch and Release policy wherein federal immigration officials have had to grapple with less detention space and increased implementation of release programs for foreign nationals.
Union thieves!!-----States could help protect their most vulnerable by stopping unions from skimming money | TheHill
"...In those states, home caregivers — many of whom are looking after loved ones in their own homes — may be trapped into paying unions dues thanks to union-backed laws classifying them as government workers.
...These home caregivers are considered public employees simply because they receive support through the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program, and unions have organized them through dubious elections.
...Where this practice — known as dues skimming — occurs, unions siphon off dues directly from caregivers’ Medicaid payments before those funds even reach the patient they are intended to help.This means that patients in need have fewer resources available to make their lives better and pay for much-needed care.
It’s especially concerning considering the fact that some caregivers are unaware they even belong to a union and are unlikely to see many, if any, benefits in return for the money deducted from their checks..."
Read all.
History for May 6
History for May 6 - On-This-Day.com
Maximilien Robespierre 1758 - French revolutionary, Sigmund Freud 1856 - Psychiatrist, originated psychoanalysis, (George) Orson Welles 1915 - Actor ("War of the Worlds", "A Man for All Seasons", "Catch-22")
Tony Blair 1953 - British Prime Minister, Tom Bergeron 1955 - TV Host ("Dancing with the Stars"), George (Timothy) Clooney 1961 - Actor (TV: "The Facts of Life", "E/R", Movies: "Batman & Robin", "Ocean's 11"), son of broadcast journalist Nick Clooney, nephew of singer Rosemary Clooney
1960 - Republican-U.S. President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1960.
1994 - Former Arkansas state worker Paula Jones filed suit against U.S. President Clinton. The case alleged that he had sexually harassed her in 1991.
Sunday, May 05, 2019
Homeland Security to launch pilot program of DNA testing at border | Fox News
Migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border with children will be asked to submit to a voluntary DNA test in order to prove they are related, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), officials said Wednesday.
The officials said the pilot program could be set up as soon as next week, but did not specify at which locations the tests would take place so as "not to change the flow of people" approaching the southern border.
Why Run, Hide or Fight Really Is a Poor Strategy for an Active Shooter | A blog written by Dr. Stephen Bryen
Why Run, Hide or Fight Really Is a Poor Strategy for an Active Shooter | A blog written by Dr. Stephen Bryen
"The FBI model, endorsed by many security professionals in the United States and abroad proposes that in the case of an Active Shooter those impacted should first run, then if that fails hide, and if, and only if that fails, fight.
...As Mike Wood, a tactical expert has written: “The [FBI] film and [Run, Hide Fight]model encourage a ‘soft’ response to violence, preconditioning the victim to escape or hide as the preferred means of survival….
Read all.
"The FBI model, endorsed by many security professionals in the United States and abroad proposes that in the case of an Active Shooter those impacted should first run, then if that fails hide, and if, and only if that fails, fight.
The model was put clearly to the test in the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue Active Shooter incident where some congregants hid inside a closet downstairs from the main temple.
The shooter found them and killed them all....As Mike Wood, a tactical expert has written: “The [FBI] film and [Run, Hide Fight]model encourage a ‘soft’ response to violence, preconditioning the victim to escape or hide as the preferred means of survival….
...In “real life” Active Shooter Incidents there are only a few cases of “fight” (and then only by armed guards) and the scenario to “run and hide” has come up short and failed to save lives.
...A proper Plan needs to focus on what happens before the police arrive. - Organizing to Deal with Active Shooter Threats: Operational Model
To effectively deal with Active Shooter attacks requires proper organization, strategy, appropriate technology and training. The model is not Run, Hide or Fight.
The model is to attempt to (1) identify; (2) intercept; (3) isolate and (4) protect..."Read all.
April Jobs Report: 263,000 Jobs Added, Unemployment At 3.6 Percent | The Daily Caller
The U.S. economy added 263,000 jobs in April while the unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent, making March the 103rd straight month of job growth, according to Department of Labor data released Friday.
Economists predicted 190,000 jobs would be added and the unemployment rate would hold at 3.8 percent, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Beto O’Rourke Blew It
Beto O’Rourke Blew It
"...You can thank, or blame, women who make up almost 58 percent of the primary electorate for Beto’s decline.
Disproportionately, they don’t like him.
According to my unscientific poll asking every woman I see, Beto reminds them of the worst boyfriend they ever had: self-involved, convinced of his own charm, chronically late if he shows up at all, worth a meal or two but definitely not marriage material.
When he should be home with the kids or taking out the trash, he’s jamming with his garage band or skateboarding at Whataburger.
He’s “in and out of a funk” which requires long and meaningful runs to clear his head.
Every thought he has is transcendent, worthy of being narrated, videotaped, and blogged.
He is always out finding himself.
At age 46, the man asking to run the country is currently lost..."
Read on.
"...You can thank, or blame, women who make up almost 58 percent of the primary electorate for Beto’s decline.Disproportionately, they don’t like him.
According to my unscientific poll asking every woman I see, Beto reminds them of the worst boyfriend they ever had: self-involved, convinced of his own charm, chronically late if he shows up at all, worth a meal or two but definitely not marriage material.
When he should be home with the kids or taking out the trash, he’s jamming with his garage band or skateboarding at Whataburger.
He’s “in and out of a funk” which requires long and meaningful runs to clear his head.
Every thought he has is transcendent, worthy of being narrated, videotaped, and blogged.
He is always out finding himself.
At age 46, the man asking to run the country is currently lost..."
Read on.
The coming convergence of Islam and apostate Christianity – LeoHohmann.com
The coming convergence of Islam and apostate Christianity – LeoHohmann.com"With astonishing speed and amazing efficiency, the French government declared early Tuesday morning that the fire which had largely consumed the magnificent, 850-year-old Cathedral of Notre Dame was a mere “accident.”
That’s right: Before investigators had even been cleared to enter the smoldering ruins of the Western World’s most iconic Christian symbol, they had already ruled out the possibility of arson.
I am not saying that any person or group should be blamed for this fire without proof.
What I am saying, is that the French government’s absurdly quick action in determining the cause makes a mockery of the concept of an honest investigation.
...It begs the question: Why were the French so eager to sweep this fire under the rug of history?...
Read all.
Poynter dumps news blacklist amid backlash - WND
Poynter dumps news blacklist amid backlash - WND:
Among the other groups on the Poynter blacklist were Media Research Center, Pajamas Media, The Daily Wire, The Blaze, Red State, Project Veritas, Newsmax, Zero Hedge, LifeSite, Judicial Watch and Frontpage Magazine.
Nolte argued it’s outlets such as CNN, the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, ABC, CBS, PBS, NBC, MSNBC, Politico and BuzzFeed that should be held accountable for “relentlessly and deliberately misled the American people on the biggest stories of the day.”
Among the big blunders, he said, are coverage of the Trayvon Martin assault, “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot,” Russia collusion, the Brett Kavanaugh serial rapist claim and the charges of racism against the Covington High School boys.
He pointed out it was Breitbart and other news outlets on Poynter’s blacklist that got those stories right, in contrast to establishment media.
Nolte argued it’s outlets such as CNN, the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, ABC, CBS, PBS, NBC, MSNBC, Politico and BuzzFeed that should be held accountable for “relentlessly and deliberately misled the American people on the biggest stories of the day.”
Among the big blunders, he said, are coverage of the Trayvon Martin assault, “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot,” Russia collusion, the Brett Kavanaugh serial rapist claim and the charges of racism against the Covington High School boys.
He pointed out it was Breitbart and other news outlets on Poynter’s blacklist that got those stories right, in contrast to establishment media.
Stephen Colbert Fantasizes About Choking Attorney General William Barr
Stephen Colbert Fantasizes About Choking Attorney General William Barr
"Late Show host Stephen Colbert fantasized about “wringing the neck” of William Barr, accusing the attorney general of spreading a “bucket of lies” about the findings of Robert Mueller’s report into supposed Russian collusion.
"Late Show host Stephen Colbert fantasized about “wringing the neck” of William Barr, accusing the attorney general of spreading a “bucket of lies” about the findings of Robert Mueller’s report into supposed Russian collusion.
“Happy Bill Barr Day, everybody!
I got you the traditional gift: a bucket of lies,” Stephen Colbert said at the beginning of his show, after Barr faced questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee about the report’s findings.
“It was incredibly frustrating to watch — filled with legalistic hair-splitting and political ass-covering. I’d say it made me want to wring his neck but I’d need five more hands.”...
I got you the traditional gift: a bucket of lies,” Stephen Colbert said at the beginning of his show, after Barr faced questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee about the report’s findings.
“It was incredibly frustrating to watch — filled with legalistic hair-splitting and political ass-covering. I’d say it made me want to wring his neck but I’d need five more hands.”...
Read on.
LEGAL “ETHICS” NOT LOOKING SO GOOD
Instapundit Blog Archive
{LEGAL “ETHICS” NOT LOOKING SO GOOD:
In Ethics Seminar, Lawyers Say They’d Report A Client For Legally Owning A Gun.
So don’t defer to them as if they’re something special. They’re just lefty operatives with professional credentials, apparently.--Posted by Glenn Reynolds "
Read all!
In Ethics Seminar, Lawyers Say They’d Report A Client For Legally Owning A Gun.
It seems that nearly every American institution has been rotted away by leftist politics."I have to admit, I was flabbergasted, for several reasons. First, I live in Mississippi, which is among the reddest of the red states. Second, the attorneys—let me call them gun-phobic—were proposing to violate the attorney-client privilege, which establishes one of the most sacrosanct confidential relationships....
Evidence is facts, not conjecture, speculation, or supposition. The only fact addressed by attorneys who advocated reporting the client to police was the lawfully issued gun permits. It did not matter that he lawfully owned a firearm, or had a firearm permit, including an enhanced carry permit......No one claimed there was anything legally improper about being upset with a former employer. ...
So don’t defer to them as if they’re something special. They’re just lefty operatives with professional credentials, apparently.--Posted by Glenn Reynolds "
Read all!
Hah!-----Yale College Republicans Hold Barbecue Next to Union Hunger Strike | Breitbart
Yale College Republicans Hold Barbecue Next to Union Hunger Strike | Breitbart:"Members of the Yale College Republicans held a barbecue on Friday next to eight graduate student teachers on a hunger strike over the Yale University’s refusal to negotiate with its newly formed union.
While the eight protesters sat in a tent next to University President Peter Salovey’s home, having not eaten in three days, the college Republican group cooked up a meal of beef, baked beans, and corn on the cob for the local community..."
Read on.
Mueller’s Sudden Concern Over ‘Public Confusion’ Glaringly Absent For 22 Previous Months | The Daily Caller
Mueller’s Sudden Concern Over ‘Public Confusion’ Glaringly Absent For 22 Previous Months | The Daily Caller:
Special counsel Robert Mueller said he is concerned about “public confusion” over his Russia report in a series of communications with Attorney General William Barr that came to light this week, solidifying the narrative that Barr mishandled the report and intentionally misled the public about his findings.
Meanwhile, Mueller stood by for years as the media and Democratic politicians made mistake after mistake about key collusion and obstruction accusations, choosing to intervene only once, when a false Buzzfeed report threatened to result in impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Mueller stood by for years as the media and Democratic politicians made mistake after mistake about key collusion and obstruction accusations, choosing to intervene only once, when a false Buzzfeed report threatened to result in impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
Like the Corleones, the Clintons teach their offspring the crooked schemes that have made them rich and powerful.
Like the Corleones, the Clintons teach their offspring the crooked schemes that have made them rich and powerful.
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