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May 2019

MY SAY: Comments turned off

MY SAY :THE IMAM’S PRAYER IN CONGRESS

By on May 12th, 2019

Omar Suleiman, founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research in Texas, was invited by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas-District 30). Rep. Johnson, a former registered nurse, has a history of animus to Israel, for which she got a 3+ in 2012 from the Arab American Institute.

On Thursday May 9th in Congress: Suleiman delivered peaceful blather.

This is how he speaks to his congregants: “How befitting that the 3rd Intifada starts on the 27th night of Ramadan as worshippers are denied prayer in Masjid Al Aqsa. …God willing on this blessed night as the 3rd Intifada begins, the beginning of the end of Zionism is here. May Allah help us overcome this monster, protect the innocent of the world, and accept the murdered as martyrs. amen.”
The man is a virulent racist and only Rep.Lee Zeldin (R- NY-District 1) took him on. Nancy Pelosi whose father was a great friend of Zionism and Israel, stood behind him looking reverential.
But, this is not an isolated incident. Increasing numbers of militant Moslems are elected to Congress who share the Imam’s Koran driven agenda. Ilhan Omar is just the tip of the sword.

MENE, MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN

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NATIONAL NEWS & OPINION Comments turned off

Contrary to Democrat Talking Point, The Economy is Working for Everyone Alfredo Ortiz

By on May 12th, 2019

https://townhall.com/columnists/alfredoortiz/2019/05/12/contrary-to-democrat-talking-point-the-economy-is-working-for-everyone-n2546152

With the unemployment rate at its lowest level in 50 years and wages growing at their fastest pace in a decade, even Democrats cannot deny that the economy is booming. But in an attempt to downplay President Trump’s economic success, they are claiming that these economic gains are merely going to the rich.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week that “the evidence shows that most of the economic gains continue to benefit those already well-off.” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer claimed, “wages aren’t growing fast enough to allow millions of workers to keep pace and feel that real economic security is within reach.” And Sen. Cory Booker broadly asserted that “Americans are struggling.”

This Democratic characterization of Trump’s economy is not new. Earlier this year, Kamala Harris said, “The economy is not working for working people.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer complained that “the state of the Trump economy is failing America’s middle class.” And for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the economy is perpetually “rigged” — whatever that means.

This diversion tactic fails on its merits. Start with unemployment rates, which are at or near record lows for Hispanic, black, female, and young workers. The unemployment rate for Americans without a high-school education, supposedly a group that’s been shafted in today’s economy, is hovering near a record low. The rate for those with disabilities has fallen by more than 20 percent over the last year to a mere 6.3 percent — the lowest level on record.

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ANTI-SEMITISM Comments turned off

Jordan Peterson: When the left goes too far — the dangerous doctrine of equity They don’t care that there are well-documented reasons for unequal outcomes in occupational choice and pay in addition to whatever role genuine prejudice plays

By on May 12th, 2019

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/jordan-peterson-when-the-left-goes-too-far-the-dangerous-doctrine-of-equity

In this occasional series, Jordan Peterson writes from his international speaking tour for his book, 12 Rules for Life.

The mantra of Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity (DIE) perhaps constitutes the primary identifying factor of the tiny minority of radical collectivist ideologues that nonetheless have come to dominate the humanities and social sciences in Western universities (and, increasingly, the HR departments of corporations). Of these three, equity is the most egregious, self-righteous, historically-ignorant and dangerous. “Equity” is a term designed to signal “equality,” in some manner, and is a term designed to appeal to the natural human tendency toward fairness, but it does not mean the classic equality of the West, which is equality before the law and equality of opportunity.

Equality before the law means that each citizen will be treated fairly by the criminal justice and judicial systems regardless of their status — and that the state recognizes that each individual has an intrinsic value which serves as a limit to state power, and which the polity must respect. There is likely no more fundamental presumption grounding our culture.

Equality of opportunity is a doctrine of openness predicated on the fact that talent is widely distributed although comparatively rare. This should come as no surprise to anyone, given that some people are much better at doing a given task than others and, because of that, it is in everyone’s selfish interest to allow such talent to come to the fore so that we can all benefit. This means that no one should be arbitrarily denied the possibility of their contribution for reasons unrelated to the task at hand. This is also a fundamental principle of Western culture, particularly in its free-market guise.

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MOVIES AND TELEVISION Comments turned off

Tolkien – A Review By Marilyn Penn

By on May 12th, 2019

http://politicalmavens.com/

What a wonderful relief is was to watch a current movie that is meant for viewers who are articulate and appreciate a script that has not one vulgar four-letter adjective to precede every noun. After the rave reviews of The Long Shot, a film that is soaked in slime in which highly educated people sound like they walked off the set of The Sopranos, Tolkien was a return to inspiration from brilliant and creative characters whose dialogue matches their intellectual talents.

Both Tolkien and his love interest Edith are orphans who have pursued their respective interests – language (philology) and music – notwithstanding the difficulties in their lives. This biopic of the famous scholar and writer goes back to his early friendship with like-minded schoolmates who form a club dedicated to changing the world through their art. In keeping with this theme, the set designer of the movie has provided perfect examples of period furnishings and William Morris wallpapers, not to mention the beauty of the outdoor landscape and architecture.

The scenes in the trenches of WW I are horrific but we see the brutality of the firepower foreshadowing the dragons and beasts that will surface in Tolkien’s future masterworks. The cast, headed by handsome Nicholas Hoult and beautiful Lily Collins, along with a welcome cameo by Derek Jacoby are as picture-perfect as the other details and despite the complaint of some critics that this film is too “slow,” I urge you to see it and be reminded of the joys of literacy, determination and accomplishment.

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ISRAEL Comments turned off

GOOD NEWS FROM ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL ISRAEL…SEE NOTE PLEASE

By on May 12th, 2019

www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com 

Israel is always under attack….Sometimes it is rockets lobbed from Gaza into schools and homes, sometimes it is arson, sometimes it is murder of civilians,…..but it is always under attack by the hypocritical and morally stunted boycott and divest groupies. In spite of this, there is no other nation in the world that has made and continues to make such outsize contributions to the health and welfare of the entire world. Israel is indeed “a light unto the nations” even to those that are a “blight unto the nations.” My friend Michael Ordman contributes these headlines every week. Bless him!….rsk

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Treatment pathway for fatal epilepsy. (TY Nevet) Dravet syndrome is an epileptic condition with a 15 to 20 percent mortality rate and resistant to current medications. Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that the DHODH gene is key to triggering such adverse neural activity and that Terflunomide can inhibit it.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-scientists-discover-potential-new-epilepsy-treatment/

Treatment hope for Williams Syndrome. (TY Josie) Tel Aviv University scientists have linked gene Gtf2i to Williams Syndrome (WS) and the thinning of the myelin layer that protects neurons in the brain. In lab tests they managed to reverse some WS symptoms using the FDA-approved antihistamine clemastine fumarate.
https://socsci3.tau.ac.il/boazbarak/research/
http://news.mit.edu/2019/neuroscientists-reverse-symptoms-williams-syndrome-0422

Micro pancreas for diabetics. I reported previously (Dec 2015) on Israel’s Betalin Therapeutics, which has developed an insulin-producing micro pancreas that can be implanted into the body of diabetics. Betalin has since won startup awards in Tel Aviv and China and has just raised funds to help start human trials this year.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-diabetes-treatment-co-betalin-therapeutics-raises-25m-1001283394
http://www.betalintherapeutics.com/most-promising%20startup-in-Israel.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpnYAW490NA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM9AtvczFMk

US approval for opioid overdose spray. The US FDA has approved the generic naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray developed by Israel’s Teva. Commonly known as Narcan, the medication can stop or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The emergency treatment can be administered even by those without medical training.
http://nocamels.com/2019/04/fda-approval-teva-generic-nasal-spray-opioid-overdose/

FDA prioritizes Alzheimer’s therapy device. (TY Atid-EDI) I reported previously (see here) on the NeuroAD cranial device from Israel’s Neuronix. It already has European approval and is now being urgently reviewed in the FDA’s Expedited Access Pathway program for breakthrough devices that target vital unmet needs.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/alzheimersdisease/78739

Successful blood test trial. I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s Sight Diagnostics’ device that can perform full blood tests using just a few drops of blood. Sight Diagnostics has just completed a successful trial which should help it obtain US FDA approval. The device is already marketed in Europe and Israel.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-sight-diagnostics-successful-in-clinical-trial-1001281957

Pumpkin seed extract treatment for BHP. A recent study of Go-Less® Men (EFLA®940 – an extract from pumpkin seeds) to be effective in the treatment of symptoms of BHP (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Go-Less is marketed by Israel-founded Frutarom. A previous study showed Go-Less to relieve incontinence in women.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jmf.2018.0106
https://www.frutaromhealth.com/clinical-study-shows-high-effectiveness-of-go-less/ https://www.go-less.com/

MDA ambulance number 12. I reported previously (2nd Sep) when retired surgeon Norman Rosenbaum was awarded by UK PM Theresa May for helping to buy 11 ambulances for Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom. Norman has just fundraised his 12th ambulance for MDA who awarded him Humanitarian of the Year.
https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/community-hero-who-raised-funds-for-12-ambulances-honoured-by-mda/

Weizmann Institute battles to conquer cancer. At Israel’s Weizmann Institute there are over 60 research groups focusing on beating cancer and over 40% of the Institute’s life sciences research is cancer-related.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KegBnx3WNVo

Helping surgeons prepare. US-Israeli startup Theator uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to help surgeons prepare for procedures by reviewing previous cases. Its Minute system edits videos of surgical procedures to highlight the key steps and “outcome-critical” components to reduce medical errors.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760803,00.html https://www.theator.io/how-it-works

How ultrasound treats tremor. (TY Nevet) This article gives an excellent description of the process used by Israel’s Insightec to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor patients. The technology is being used in over 50 medical centers around the world and has treated over 2,000 neuro-patients.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-startup-uses-ultrasound-waves-to-reduce-parkinsons-tremors/

ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL

Advice to female entrepreneurs. I reported previously (16th Feb) on the wound care system from Israel’s Nanomedic Technologies. Nanomedic CEO and mother of three, Chen Barak, advises female entrepreneurs to get support from their family and not to give up or compromise on their career.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/dont-compromise-do-what-you-love-nanomedic-ceo-tells-female-entrepreneurs/

Number of Israeli-Arab hi-tech students doubles. The number of Arab Israelis studying high-tech subjects at Israeli universities and colleges has doubled in six years. In 2018, 3,778 Arab students (12% of Israeli students) were studying high-tech subjects for BA degrees.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/number-of-arab-israelis-studying-high-tech-doubles-since-2012/

Israeli-Druze doctor honored on Independence Day. Ziv Medical Center’s Dr. Salman Zarka was head of “Operation Good Neighbor” in which, for six years, Israel provided critical care to thousands of Syrian victims of its civil war. Dr. Zarka was given the honor of lighting a torch on Israel’s Independence Day (see below).
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israeli-doctor-honored-for-saving-thousands-of-syrian-lives/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIp0062jlPk

Finland is a hi-tech partner. (TY UWI) The Israel-Finland Pilot Program has been launched by the Israel Innovation Authority and the Helsinki Business Hub. It will help Israeli and Helsinki-area companies to co-develop technologies, products and services including digital health, smart mobility and communications.
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-and-finland-launch-digital-health-collaboration/

500 multinationals in the Startup Nation. “The State of Innovation,” published by Start-Up Nation Central (SNC) and PwC Israel, reports that over 500 multinational corporations from some 35 countries are active in Israel. It says they seek the ideas and the entrepreneurial culture emanating from Israel’s 6,000 plus startups.
http://nocamels.com/2019/04/500-global-corporations-35-countries-in-israel/
https://lp.startupnationcentral.org/mnc2019/

London Uni students see Israeli tech up close. 52 students from 30 countries (including Saudi Arabia and Sudan) studying at Imperial College London, had an eye-opening tour of tech sites in Israel. These included Mobileye, IBM, Barclays Techstar, OurCrowd and the Technion and Weizmann Institutes.
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-tech-trip-attracts-52-students-from-30-countries/

Israeli and UAE jets exercise together. The Israel Air Force, along with pilots from the United Arab Emirates, United States, Greece, Italy and Cyprus took part of Iniohos 2019 – Greece’s largest military exercise.
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-Air-Force-in-Greece-as-part-of-Iniohos-2019-585993

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

New record for renewable energy production. On 23rd April, the Israeli Electric Company broke its 13th Feb all-time-record (reported here) for energy produced from renewable resources. The production capacity was 1,326 megawatts, accounting for 19.3% of IEC’s total energy production. https://www.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/Electric-company-produces-record-amount-of-green-energy-587695

Israel is 2nd most scientific. (TY Nevet & WIN) Israel is the second most scientific / innovative nation in the world, in a report compiled by engineering firm RS Components and published in the U.K.’s Daily Mail. Israel is ranked after the U.S. and ahead of South Korea. R&D spending and researchers per capita were key factors.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6787391/The-scientific-powerhouse-capitals-world.html
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=did-you-know%2Fmost-scientific-countries-in-the-world

Celebrating Israel’s hi-tech achievements. The IVC (Israel Venture Capital) Research Center (founded in 1997) celebrated Israel’s 71st Independence Day by summarizing Israel’s current high-tech industry’s status and its achievements since IVC’s foundation in 1997.
https://www.ivc-online.com/Portals/0/RC/POSTS/Israel’s%2071st%20independence%20day%20post.pdf

Intel’s 9th generation processors designed in Israel. Sired from its Haifa team, Intel has launched the 9th Gen Intel Core – its “most powerful generation” of mobile processors for laptops. It is for powering games and heavy workloads like video editing and will be in new Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and MSI laptops.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/intel-launches-its-most-powerful-laptop-processors-sired-by-haifa-team/

A “pop-up”, foldable playground. Israel’s POPIN Playgrounds has developed a foldable in-home playground that enables large play structures to pop-up for playtime and take up minimal space when not in use. The car, kitchen, playhouse and pirate ship table are made of strong, eco-friendly materials and are easily transported.
http://nocamels.com/2019/04/child-play-israeli-startup-foldable-home-playground-toys/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/popinplaygrounds/popintm-indoor-pop-up-playgrounds
https://www.popintoys.com/

Security for a connected world. Our environment is increasingly reliant on embedded devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). These are highly vulnerable and at risk of a future massive attack. Israel’s VDOO Connected Trust has developed security automation for embedded devices and has just raised $32 million of funds.
http://nocamels.com/2019/04/vdoo-raises-32m-to-revolutionize-security-for-embedded-devices-and-iot/

Making sense of the documentation. Israel’s Amenity Analytics uses natural language processing to rapidly process complex text documents into actionable insights. Amenity’s technology analyzes texts ranging from regulatory filings and earnings transcripts to social media content. Amenity has just raised $18 million of funds.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760475,00.html https://www.amenityanalytics.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HUUre0V2VM

Giving self-awareness to drones. Israel’s Sightec has developed an artificial intelligence and computer vision-based spatial navigation system for fully or partially autonomous aerial vehicles. The system allows the vehicle to analyze its surroundings without depending on exterior communication, including cellular networks or GPS.
https://www.sightec.com/technology/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHX5XWR5GSI

RAF deploys Israeli emergency beacon. The Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (EPLB) from Israel’s Elbit has begun operations for the UK’s Royal Air Force. The EPLB is attached to the pilot’s life jacket and emits two types of alerts if the pilot ejects or crashes. The all-weather device operates even if the pilot is unconscious.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/emergency-locator-beacon-enters-service-with-the-royal-air-force/

Cultivating the desert truffle. Scientists from Israel’s Ben Gurion University have developed a successful method for cultivating the sought-after desert truffle (Terfezia Leonis fungus). They discovered the symbiotic relationship between the truffle and its host plant and are now producing up to 150kg per hectare.
https://nocamels.com/2019/04/rare-israel-cultivate-desert-truffles-worth-more-than-uranium/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3733326,00.html

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Economy still improving. The Bank of Israel’s Composite State of the Economy Index for March increased by nearly 0.3 percent. Highlights were Goods exports, Goods imports and Industrial production.
https://www.boi.org.il/en/NewsAndPublications/PressReleases/Pages/30-4-19.aspx

Massive hi-tech investment. Israeli startups raised a huge total of $1.55 billion during the first quarter of 2019. It represents a 28% increase on the first quarter of 2018. The strongest sectors were software and life sciences.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-hi-tech-investments-1-55-billion-in-first-quarter-of-2019/

Europe offers favorable credit to Israeli firms. The European Investment Bank, as part of Horizon 2020, is offering credit enhancement services and financing under favorable terms to Israel companies. The agreement was initiated by Israel’s Peninsula Growth Fund to assist medium-sized Israeli companies.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760834,00.html

New record for currency deposits. Israel’s reserves of foreign currency increased by half a billion dollars during April to another new record of $118.7 billion. https://www.boi.org.il/en/NewsAndPublications/PressReleases/Pages/7-05-19.aspx

Promoting startups in rural Israel. The Israel Innovation Authority has allocated $50 million for setting up innovation incubators to encourage local entrepreneurship in Israel’s rural areas. The incubators in Israel’s periphery will provide workspace, support from academic institutes, mentors and links to investors and clients.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760694,00.html

Trawling for maritime startups. I reported previously (24th July) on Israel-based maritime startup accelerator TheDock Innovation Hub which offers startups funds, offices, mentors and networking with partner companies. TheDock has added Singapore-based port operator PSA International to existing partners that include Maersk.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760238,00.html

New York event promotes 80 Israeli startups. 120 entrepreneurs from 80 Israeli startups attended Calcalist’s Mind the Tech conference at the New York center of Tel Aviv-headquartered innovation hub SOSA. They presented to industry leaders including Amazon, American Express, Comcast, Goldman Stanley, and TechStars.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760662,00.html

Every company can get “the Amazon effect”. I reported previously (Jul 2017) on Israel’s Bringg when it began dispatching and tracking orders for US caterer Panera Bread. Bringg now helps Panera process over a million orders a month. It has just raised $25 million of funds to “level the playing field in the age of Amazon”.
http://nocamels.com/2019/04/amazon-effect-israeli-startup-bringg-level-playing-field/

Best Buy stocks Israeli diagnostic kits. US retail electronics chain Best Buy has partnered with Israel’s TycoCare. US customers on-line and at stores in 4 states can purchase TycoCare’s all-in-one digital diagnostics kit consisting of thermometer, stethoscope, otoscope, tongue depressor and remote consultation service.
https://www.israel21c.org/tytocare-home-diagnostics-device-now-sold-at-best-buy/

Walmart to sell Israeli-selected products for kids. Walmart has partnered with Israeli-founded Kidbox to sell customers $48 boxes of leading children’s fashion brands at 50% discount to their regular retail price. The Israeli-developed software assesses the child’s preferences and taste, the time of year, and the latest fashions.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760891,00.html

Protecting Central American coasts. (TY Hazel) Israel’s ELTA Systems has won several contracts in the Caribbean (for Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados) to upgrade national coastal surveillance systems and provide radar systems to offshore oil rigs. ELTA also is to supply radar systems to Mexican offshore oil rigs.
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/IAIs-ELTA-systems-to-upgrade-Caribbean-maritime-coastal-surveillance-systems-586501

Cash to leave your car at home. The Israeli Transportation Ministry is piloting a scheme, initially with 500 drivers, to try to reduce traffic congestion. Each driver can earn up to NIS 2,000 if he/she doesn’t drive during the rush hour. More money can be obtained by giving lifts to carpoolers and by using public transport.

https://www.israel21c.org/israel-tries-battling-traffic-jams-with-cash-handouts/

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ISRAEL Comments turned off

Defensible borders in the Middle East. Yoram Ettinger

By on May 12th, 2019

https://bit.ly/309eO3F

Defensible borders’ key feature, in the Middle East, must be the capability to confront the shifty, volcanic and violent reality of the region, which has been top heavy on worst-case scenarios, highlighting clear and present lethal threats.

Realistically, Israel’s defensible borders should not be based on well-meaning, peaceful coexistence (best-case) scenarios – cushioned by eloquent statements, agreements, assurances and guarantees – which have been detached from the blustery Middle East inter-Arab and inter-Muslim reality since the 7thcentury.

Defensible borders are not based on a state-of-peace; defensible borders, in the Middle East, should be able to overcome an abrupt military violation of a state-of-peace.The most critical feature/test of defensible borders in the Middle East is their capability to fend off realistic (worst-case) scenarios.

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ISRAEL Comments turned off

The First Thing to Learn From the 700 Rockets Fired at Israel by Moshe Phillips

By on May 12th, 2019

https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/09/the-first-thing-to-learn-from-the-700-rockets-fired-at-israel/

Terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired approximately 700 rockets at Israel in a coordinated May offensive. Tragically, four Israelis were killed. But how is that possible? One would think that 700 terrorist rockets would have caused much heavier Israeli losses.

When Israel fires missiles at enemy targets, they strike with deadly, pinpoint accuracy. For example, they have been known to hit a single terrorist in a vehicle, or one apartment in the middle of a dense neighborhood. Yet when Hamas and Islamic Jihad fire rockets into Israel, the vast majority of them land in empty fields, parking lots, or other uninhabited sites.

The difference is not that Israeli soldiers have better aim. The difference is that the Israeli army has the latest equipment and the most sophisticated computer systems necessary to ensure that their missiles hit the desired targets. Meanwhile, the Palestinians are actually trying to cause as much damage and death as possible — but their rockets still don’t make accurate landings. Why? Because the Palestinians don’t have that technology. And the reason they don’t is partly because of the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

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WORLD NEWS Comments turned off

“I Don’t Know Why They Attacked Our Village”: Persecution of Christians, February 2019 by Raymond Ibrahim

By on May 12th, 2019

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14207/persecution-of-christians-february

During just the first two weeks of February, “[a]t least 10 incidents of vandalism and desecration of Catholic churches have been reported in France.” — Catholicherald.co.uk, February 15, 2019; France.

“The attack was so terrible that Haroon’s kidney was cut into two pieces” from the stabbings….After he was rushed to hospital, “doctors were forced to remove his kidney.” As is common in such cases, police and local authorities tried to pressure the family not to press charges against the Muslim youths…. — Persecution.org; International Christian Concern; February 21, 2019; Pakistan.

“A group of kidnappers meets in a mosque to discuss potential victims. They keep a close eye on Christians’ houses and monitor everything that’s going on. On that basis, they weave a spider’s web around [the girls]…. I remember a Coptic Christian girl from a rich, well-known family in Minya. She was kidnapped by five Muslim men. They held her in a house, stripped her and filmed her naked. In the video, one of them also undressed. They threatened to make the video public if the girl wouldn’t marry him…. The kidnappers receive large amounts of money. Police can help them in different ways, and when they do, they might also receive a part of the financial reward the kidnappers are paid by the Islamisation organisations.” — Testimony by “G”, Persecution.org, February 19, 2019, Egypt.

Massacres of Christians

Nigeria: A number of fatal Islamic terror attacks targeting Christians occurred throughout February:

February 10: Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed 10 Christians and an unborn child. Armed herdsmen in large numbers had surrounded the Christian village around 11 p.m. the night before. “We heard gun shots, and this forced me and my family to remain in our bedrooms as it was difficult for us to run out of the house,” said one survivor. “The Fulani gunmen surrounded our house and were shooting and shouting, ‘Allahu akbar’ [‘Allah is greatest’]. They killed my father, mother, two brothers, and one of my sisters-in-law.” The attack came as a complete surprise, even for the village head: “We have never had any misunderstanding with the Fulani herdsmen, so I don’t know why they attacked our village,” he said. “Ten members of my community, including a pregnant woman, were killed during the attack, thus making the unborn child to be the eleventh victim.”

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WaPo jumps to Gaza’s defense on missile attack story By Sie An Bradley

By on May 12th, 2019

https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/05/wapo_jumps_to_gazas_defense_on_missile_attack_story.html

The Washington Post article “Gaza’s homemade rockets still test Israel’s sophisticated defense system,” published May 7, 2019, uses biased phrasing in the title to downplay the threat Gaza imposes against Israel, stating that Gaza’s “homemade” rockets merely “tested” Israel’s defense system.

The authors open the article highlighting the tight border controls Israel enforces on Gaza but disregard Egypt’s border controls on Gaza. More importantly, the authors neglect to mention why border controls exist! The reader is primed to feel that Israel is singularly acting unjustly against impoverished Gaza. Why is Gaza impoverished when Hamas receives billions in humanitarian aid? Largely because Hamas exploits aid funds to stockpile weapons and build terroristic infrastructure instead of helping its people.

While the authors admit to Gaza’s large stockpile of rockets in the article’s beginning, their biased frame continues by stating that a tiny fraction was fired toward Israel. The nearly 700 rockets were not just fired “toward” Israel. The rockets fired by Hamas and Islamic Jihad targeted and devastated civilian, not military, areas across southern Israel, resulting in the tragic deaths of four Israeli civilians (briefly mentioned later) in addition to injuring hundreds of Israeli civilians, including children (who are never acknowledged).

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Russiagate: Law in the Service of Partisan Politics By Andrew C. McCarthy

By on May 12th, 2019

https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/05/trump-russia-investigation-partisan-politics/

This is an exquisitely planned political campaign.

Russiagate has always been a political narrative masquerading as a federal investigation. Its objective, plain and simple, has been twofold: first, to hamstring Donald Trump’s capacity to press the agenda on which he ran (immigration enforcement, conservative judicial nominees, deregulation, and a military build-up, along with skepticism about military interventions, free trade, and NATO); and ultimately, to render him unelectable come autumn 2020.

That’s it. That’s what FBI agent Peter Strzok so aptly called the “insurance policy.”

Yes, of course, if some grievous misconduct had emerged, something so egregious that Beltway Republicans could chance the wrath of the Trump base by hopping aboard the impeachment train, Democrats might take a shot at removing the president. But that, as they say in the Green New Deal biz, was just “aspirational.”

The real work in the here and now is hardball politics: Hem Trump in. Politicize the intelligence and law-enforcement apparatus. Signal to the public through intelligence leaks and suggestive official public statements that the president was suspected of conspiring with the Kremlin. Convince Trump that using the presidency’s arsenal to fight back would just bolster the obstruction case against him. Sic a special counsel on him if he lashed out anyway. Use the investigation as a rationale for slow-walking Trump nominees and for refusing to deal with him on such critical issues as border enforcement. Drive his numbers down.

It’s working.

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