Catholic candidates and abortion

 

Defender in Chief, by John Yoo

John Woo, a Korean American, is the "wrong" kind of minority--he supports the President, although he didn't start out that way. In his new book, “Defender in Chief: Donald Trump’s Fight for Presidential Power,” Yoo makes the case that despite popular belief, President Trump has been a protector of constitutional law, not an offender. Democrats, liberals, and Progressives will not like this at all. The book was written before all the oozing of the left in 2020.

https://youtu.be/RnPpIlhh16I

“We are used to thinking of presidential power as presidents fighting with Congress…actually the really important fight is the president against the independent bureaucracies below him,” Yoo said. “The founders would have said, ‘What is going on?’…this bureaucracy is slowing down, diluting, sapping the presidency of its energy.”

https://thefederalist.com/2020/08/06/john-yoo-argues-trump-is-a-defender-of-constitutional-presidential-power/

Positive self-talk from the 1600s

Sometimes I think positive self-talk is a fad from the pop psych of the 20th century, but today I read some advice from Saint Jane Frances de Chantel who died in 1641.  She founded the Order of the Visitation for women who did not have the stamina for the life of the traditional orders.  These women had been rejected for poor health or old age by other orders. I haven't yet looked up her writings, but found this one as "Meditation of the Day," August 12, 2019, Magnificat, vol 21, no. 6.

"No matter what happens, be gentle and patient with yourself.  Once in a while, if you feel particularly weak, without courage, without confidence, force yourself to make affirmations which are the opposite of your feelings.  Say with conviction: "My Savior, my all, despite my feelings of misery and distrust, I place all my confidence in you; you are strength for the weak, refuge for the miserable, wealth for the poor; you are indeed my Savior who has always loved sinners."

But, dearest, say these or similar words resolutely, without self-pity or tears; then turn your attention to something else. The Almighty will never let you slip from his arms, for he holds you firmly.  Don't you see how very gently he comes to your rescue?" 

Note:  I did find a video of an RCIA Initiation at St. Jane Frances de Chantel church, Sterling Heights, Michigan, which being 2020 shows the participants in masks and the pews roped off for social distancing. Two new members are baptized.  Others are being confirmed as adults. Their sponsors are standing behind them.   Usually this is done at Easter, but because of the pandemic was moved to Pentecost.  Some churches cancelled classes. Voices a little muffled. https://youtu.be/FLUUiCI8qGU

New words for 2020

What new words or phrases have you learned during the pandemic and the riots? Here's mine:

diaper wrap (mask)
slave muzzles (mask)
Barista Bolsheviks (I assume this is white rioters, but not sure)
Luxury Communism (I think this refers to the rich and privileged ANTIFA crowds subsidized by Soros)

Cancel culture (throw out all history of people or events and replace with communist themes)

Have you noticed?

Have you noticed that when job numbers are up and unemployment figures down, the media begin to roar about keeping businesses and schools closed? Of course you did, Democrat, Libertarian or Republican.

Have you noticed that the media meme yesterday was that Trump commented on Biden's religion? Biden never said a word about the atheist, anti-Christian bombardment by Antifa and BLM, did he? Or that statues of Mary and Catholic missionaries were being torn down and destroyed by "peaceful protestors." Did you notice Biden stayed silent in the basement (he's a "devout Catholic" according to media)? Of course you did, liberal, conservative, moderate, or independent.

And that's why you won't vote for Biden, who intends to pass his presidency on to an unknown POC female 2-fer to satisfy the far leftists in the Democrat party, home of socialists, Communists, and anarchists, just as soon as he can get confirmation of his illness.

Lakeside has a new President

The Lakeside Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel J. Rogers as Lakeside Chautauqua’s next President & CEO and President of the Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, effective August 10. Rogers is a skilled senior leader with a broad background in leading complex non-profit organizations that provide programming and assistance to poor, underprivileged and homeless populations. He combines his extensive business experience with a genuine love and curiosity of people and humbly describes himself as a servant leader, intent on nurturing relationships within the community while working with and developing his staff. Rogers most recently served as President & CEO of Cherry Street Mission Ministries of Toledo from 2005-2019, where he developed the strategic direction of the organization, fostered community partnerships and led significant fundraising efforts. Cherry Street provides more than food, clothing and shelter for the poor, underprivileged and homeless, it is a ministry built around one-on-one mentorship and focused on who a person is, rather than what a person has become. His vision led to the development of Cherry Street’s Life Revitalization Center, a $13 million facility housed in a former Toledo vocational high school. Programs are aimed at the reversal of poverty and bringing an end to homelessness in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. During his tenure, Cherry Street grew into an $8 million non-profit organization that increased its ministry presence from three buildings to 17 and was recognized nationally as a successful model for innovative community partnerships. In 2019, Rogers left his position to pursue the founding of Straightline Solutions, an organization that assists communities and non-profits in the cultivation of robust cultures through coaching, consulting and developing people. Prior to his leadership at Cherry Street and Straightline Solutions, Rogers served as founder and lead pastor of an independent Christian Church and started his career as a teacher. He earned his Bachelor’s in Theology, Psychology and Behavioral Science from Mount Vernon Nazarene College. Rogers is an author, TEDx presenter and the recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Toledo area’s Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence Hall of Fame and was presented the Courage Award for Ohio from Governor John Kasich. He is an authentic, warm person who is dedicated to leading and developing staff and the Lakeside community. To underscore his commitment to the community, Rogers plans to reside in Lakeside. He brings the depth of experience, understanding of human nature and superb leadership qualities that Lakeside desires to lead us into our 150th year and beyond. "What an honor to be selected as Lakeside Chautauqua's next President & CEO," says Rogers. "The rich tradition of Lakeside, along with the dynamics of the four pillars, provides a depth of opportunity seldom seen in a lifetime. I’m thrilled beyond words to work alongside Dan Dudley, the team of Lakeside and the Board of Directors to imagine, together, a vibrant and sustained future for generations to come."  “I am excited to work with a leader of the caliber of Dan Rogers to shape the future of Lakeside,” says Dan Dudley, Lakeside Chautauqua Acting President & CFO/COO. “He brings great skills to the management team and staff that truly complement the existing team. I speak for the entire staff when I say that we look forward to helping Dan create a renewed vision for Lakeside and the community over the coming years.” Please help us welcome Daniel Rogers to Lakeside by attending our ‘Meet the President’ events, held 6-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 and 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Steele Memorial Bandstand. Masks are required. Please practice safe social distancing. Kurt Geisheimer Lakeside Association Board of Directors, Chair Tom Jones Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation Board of Directors, Chair

The precious First Amendment

Yes, Google is a private firm, and it can censor anything it wants--it is not the government. But it has more power over you than the government and it is a public utility whether or not it has that title. No, we can't assemble and we can't petition--because petitioning the government is useless so it might as well not exist. And where would we assemble if the government has closed everything? Freedom to worship on-line is not the same as freedom of religion. Anyone who speaks against the current myths developed by the left or the intersectionality promoted by academe risks her career and sometimes life. Where is the government in protecting these rights defending us from those who would swarm on social media or on the lawn in front of our homes?

Ten Years ago in Lakeside, Ohio

Bob and Phil on a bike ride in Lakeside, July 31, 2010.

Watch the Front Line Doctors

Watch in small batches. This is three hours. https://youtu.be/Mk3mu0S-1Ak  

These front line doctors are the ones seeing patients; they are being stalked by Big Tech and their employers. The woman chairing the group, Dr. Gold, and introducing speakers has been fired for going against the Biden Party Line.  The way the pandemic is being handled is insane, according to the first speaker. If you have cancer, you're not told to go home and live in isolation until you get worse.

What we're hearing from CDC/Dr. Fauci is advice from one or two specialties--epidemiology and virology. There are hundreds of other specialties and experts not being heard. The child psychiatrist's presentation (about 1 hour in) is very moving. Even here in idyllic Lakeside, safe and secure Lakeside, I see the terror in the small children who are wearing masks. They see my white hair and think I'll drop over any minute from a terrible disease. Then I see the teens doing what they've always done, ignoring all precautions.

Listen to Dr. Teryn Clark—she’s a neurologist and advocate for her patients. The elderly and frail. The lockdown has really hurt them, many of whom have Alzheimer's, or are memory impaired. Closed day care, closed classes that keep them out of institutions, parks closed, no physical exercise or socializing. We did the opposite of what we know about protecting the elderly.

More positive tests does not mean more sick people. Emotional needs are not being met. Life style is critical for seniors--out side, fresh air, exercise, socializing, reengage with society. This helps the immune system. Vit. D, Vit. C, zinc, Melatonin are good adjuvant treatment.

Front line doctors all over the nation are seeing mild cases who recover quickly, but their patients are avoiding treatment for other more serious problems. People die not from Covid19, but from fear. The media stress "cases," but 98% of those are mild, and that's not what the public hears. This pandemic is the first where healthy people have been quarantined. "Ready for bear and a squirrel shows up."
The academic models were false--more fear. What is the science and data for social distancing and masks? Crickets. For that the economy was destroyed. Flattening the curve sounded good at first--it was to protect hospitals, not people. Now hospitals are dying. Medical staff laid off. Lockdown was successful in increasing physical abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse, delayed medical care, and suicide calls up 600%. Reporting to public health officials is onerous and requires additional staff, but other staff is afraid to come to work. Fear. It's closing our nation.

Sweden had a different approach. Kept the kids in school. No lockdown. But it  didn't protect the elderly in nursing homes. Even so the model was sustainable, and the U.S. model is not. There will still be corona and flu next year. Our method is not sustainable. Covid19 in Sweden is less than its  flu statistics  for 1993. Lockdown didn't flatten the curve or lower the death rate from flu rates. Plus it's killing the hospitals and our people are not building immunity. The president needs to hear from real world doctors, not just government and academic "experts."

Memories of Phil Bruce for Memorial and Interment of Ashes at Lakeside, August 2, 2020

This past week at Lakeside the Preacher of the Week was Father Michael Renninger , pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia. His theme was “Dining in the Kingdom of God,” which contained many wonderful stories, both spiritual and practical, about food. On Wednesday he asked the audience in the open air of the park what memories they had about food that helped them remember a person or an event of the past. As I listened to my fellow Lakesiders, all in masks, tell of delicious memories, I thought about sharing stories of my mother’s wonderful pies, or even her overcooked beef roasts for Sunday dinner that simmered the hours we were in church.

However, maybe Phil’s wonderful salsa is a better memory. When Phil was married in the 1990s, his wife Holly introduced him to the joys of the outdoors—gardening, growing flowers, camping, and even preserving the fruits of their labor. When he bought a home in 2004 in Canal Winchester after their divorce he transferred some of those skills and put a nice size garden in his back yard, which overlooked a pond. We heard stories, much to our disbelief, about enriching the soil, buying fertilizer, a rototiller, the problem with rabbits and birds, and buying flats of tomato plants. With an abundant crop of tomatoes and peppers, he turned to canning, and soon had developed a nice little distribution system for pints of his salsa. The kitchen pantry was filled with glass canning jars, large blue stockpots like my Mom had, and bags of sugar and spices. He would perfect his recipe from year to year, and we’d often talk about it. Sometimes he gave a pint to a special friend or two, or he’d take them to work to give to fellow employees, and I think some were even shipped to friends and relatives. And it was HOT!

With the good memories that Father Mike helped me recall, there are also sad ones. I think of losing Holly and her daughter in the divorce, I think of the shopping we did together for just the right house, I remember how much he loved his home and that we sold it in June after he died, I remember the annual parties he had there inviting friends from the past, neighbors and others just passing through his life. I remember he had a stroke in 2017 which blinded him in one eye, and after a frustrating year of relearning how to see, to drive and to function with distorted vision, he gave up gardening.

There are many references in the Bible and Christian theology about a heavenly banquet. At communion we say, “until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet.” Phil now has a taste of that wonderful feast to come.

  

I don't know how long the July 29 talk will be available, but it's up today.

https://boxcast.tv/view/faith-for-living-hour---july-29-2020-y04ydb6aqeszxdgrcocb?fbclid=IwAR2k-w-N2DVOzkN_4b0BZmR57e0fyvczgzRgo6HKLc5S7n23YvqOZD4Lt-4

AG Barr’s interrogation July 28

I was watching the hearings this morning, but all I heard was lies from the Democrats and "gotcha" yes or no questions, so I turned off the TV. Barr was measured, calm, insightful and prepared with facts. Democrat inquisition team wanted none of that. Please, someone give Nadler a one way ticket to Portland so he can observe what's going on.

Nadler and the Democrats on his team only wanted to have Barr interrogated so they could blame Trump for all the violence and chaos in Democrat cities.

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2020/07/28/barr-opening-statement-to-house-n2573248?

Women manning the barricades of the race riots

During the radical student movement of the 60s (grandparents of the rioters of today), there was a quote heard around the world, in fact it may have launched the feminists into their own Marxist orbit. When asked what was the role of women in the counterculture of those years and that movement, a radical black male leader chauvinist pig (as we called men then) replied, "Prone."

For show (I think), women are in the forefront in the 2020 race and hate riots; the male leaders won't make that mistake again. Women aren't making coffee, although they may be writing the twitter appeals for more willing bodies to show up. And they're making fire bombs and using bats.

There are supposedly three women who thought up Black Lives Matter, the organization, all radical black feminists. Of course, Pew Research took a look at the streets and found an overwhelming number of young, college educated, well-heeled whites, "manning" the barricades of war. I suspect the three women have lost control--at least they didn't raise the billions needed to launch this in multiple cities at once.

What virus?

The rioters bring the virus back home, but suffer no consequences. How doesn't this work? Who is paying them? Who is feeding them? Who transports them from city to city? Who is housing them? Who stock piles the frozen water bottles and bats in convenient places? Two months tearing Portland apart?  That costs money.  BLM, the organization, which is international, has collected billions, not just from global Marxists like Soros, but from the wealthy corporations they are blackmailing. And you, Democrats, Independents and Libertarians, if you're donating to the "cause" are helping.

These looters and anarchists (mostly white according to Pew Research) actually have jobs to go to and you don't. They are on the street--they are not social distancing. They are being "schooled" and your children aren't. They have a religion, a cult they where they are allowed to kneel to and worship, but you can't go to church. They cover their faces to hid from police, but you have to cover up to show you are obedient and respectful of others.

https://legalinsurrection.com/2020/07/blm-march-planned-for-august-in-dc-with-100000-people-expected/?

We bought my birthday present today

I returned some books to the library today and decided to stroll through the new Historical Society store in Lakeside which always has interesting memorabilia and antiques.  I looked through the back room where they store some paintings and prints, and noticed this watercolor.  I continued on and then went back and took a second look.  It wasn't very bright in there so I got down on my knees and could see the OWS after the artist's name.  Ohio Watercolor Society.  Bob has shown in their show but isn't a member--it's really tough to get in. So I took down her name, Cathy Welner, and went home to look her up on the internet.  She's from Akron, is 87, and is still painting.  She has done workshops and videos, so I encouraged Bob to go back with me and look at it.  It's not the style we usually buy, but will look nice in our cottage that has a lot of pink in it.  So he agreed--it was a really nice painting.

  

Sonja Ness’ predictions

In these last 3 1/2+ years of Trump, we have seen the Left water the seeds of Obama’s division to perfection, it is frightening and anyone with a knowledge of History can see that it has been repeating itself, and is about to repeat itself in a very, very ugly way.

I predict, the day after Election Day, is when it will kick off, imho, unless there is some great awakening with the super duper woke folks who keep believing that:

“Orange Man is Bad”;

protests are peaceful;

BLM is legitimate;

there is no deep state;

Epstein did kill himself;

CNN is a legitimate source of news;

there was Russian Collusion;

the Chinese Government is our friend;

Socialism is great, it just hasn’t been done right;

history makes it all go away;

all police are bad;

systemic racism exists everywhere;

white people are bad;

reparations are owed;

God doesn’t belong anywhere

the Corona virus isn’t being used as a political weapon;

the MSM reports truth;

Trump wasn’t spied on by Obama;

Soros isn’t a bad guy and isn’t bankrolling traitorous organizations

America is bad. . .

Good golly I could go on for days, the super duper woke folks need to quit saying they are woke, and really wake up, before it is too late.

A Message For Christians About Donald Trump

Here's a famous joke about God and how he talks to us.
"A deeply faithful Christian man is stuck on roof at home with massive flooding up to the 2nd floor. Rowboat comes. He says "No, I'm waiting for God. I prayed and I know he's coming."  2nd Rowboat. "No, I'm waiting for God." 3rd Rowboat. "No, I'm waiting for God."
Water rises. The man drowns. Now he's meeting God in heaven. The religious man says, "Where were you God? I prayed. I was faithful. I asked you to save me. Why would you abandon me?"

God says, "Hey, I sent you 3 rowboats."

Did you ever consider Trump is our rowboat?

Maybe God is trying to tell us something important--that now is not the time for a "nice Christian guy" or a "gentleman" or a typical Republican powder puff. Maybe now is the time for a natural born killer, a ruthless fighter, a warrior. Because right about now we need a miracle, or America is finished. Maybe the rules of gentlemen don't apply here. Maybe a gentleman and "all-around nice Christian" would lead us to slaughter.

Or do you want another Mitt Romney, Bob Dole, John McCain, Gerald Ford or Paul Ryan? Did any of them win? Did they lead the GOP to "the promised land?" Did they change the direction of America ? No, because if you don't win, you have no say.
Paul Ryan couldn't even deliver his own state, Wisconsin!     Nice, but obedient. I mean Paul Ryan. . .not my dog. My dog is actually a pretty good defender and loyal.

Maybe God is knocking on your door loudly, but you're not listening. Maybe God understands we need a "war leader" at this moment in time. Maybe God understands if we don't win this election, America is dead. It's over. The greatest nation in world history will be gone. Finished. Kaput. Adios.

And with one last breath, maybe what we need to save us at the last second, is someone different. Someone you haven't ever experienced before-- because you weren't raised in rough and tumble New York where nothing good gets accomplished unless you're combative, aggressive, outrageous, on offense at all times, and maybe just a tad arrogant too.

Someone with a personality you've never seen on stage at your church. Maybe, just maybe, being a nice gentlemanly Christian would not beat Biden and his billion dollars, and his best friends in the media who will unleash the dogs of hell upon the GOP nominee.

I guess you think God is only nice and gentlemanly. Really? Then you've missed the whole point of the Bible. When necessary, God is pretty tough. When necessary, God strikes with pain, death and destruction. When necessary, God inflicts vengeance.

Maybe you think God couldn't possibly be associated with someone like Trump. Trump is too vicious, rude and crude.

When we won WWII, was God "nice?" Were we gentlemanly when defeating Hitler? Were we gentlemanly when firebombing Germany? Were we gentlemanly when dropping atomic bombs on Japan ? Is God ever "nice" on the battlefield? Or does he send us vicious SOB's like General George S. Patton so the good guys can defeat evil?
It's pretty clear to me God sends unique people to be "war leaders." That's a different role than a pastor or church leader. God understands that.

And maybe it's time to re-define "nice." Maybe Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan aren't nice at all--because they led us to defeat. And losing again would mean the end of America . And God can't allow that. Maybe Romney and Ryan mean well, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Or maybe they're just jealous they had their chance and blew it. Maybe they'd rather help elect Biden than allow a Trump victory that would make them look weak, feckless and incompetent.

"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isiah 40:30-31)
God is about miracles. We don't need a "nice guy" or a "gentleman" right now. It's the 4th quarter and we're losing 14-0. We need a miracle.

So let me repeat my message to Christians: "YOU'RE MISSING THE BOAT."I believe Trump is our miracle. I believe Trump is our rowboat. Except he's more like a battleship!

No one is saying Trump is perfect. No one is saying Trump is a perfect conservative. But he is a patriot. He is a warrior. He is a capitalist. He is the right man, at the right time.  Yes, he's a bit rude and crude and offensive. But that may make him the perfect warrior to save America , American exceptionalism, capitalism and Judeo-Christian values. The choice should be easy for Christians.
It's Trump...or it's the end of the American dream.

I can’t be positive of the origin, but I think it’s Wayne Allyn Root. https://townhall.com/columnists/wayneallynroot/2016/06/24/a-message-for-christians-about-donald-trump-n2182796

The battle of the masks.

I do wear a mask--although there's no evidence that a bandana folded on an angle and tied behind my head then pulled up over my nose (2 layers of cloth) will protect me from anything except the flying bugs I meet on my morning walks. I passed 3 men running on the lakefront path this morning, splattering as they went. I read the research. What I see is that medical quality/grade masks worn properly, fitting tightly by medical staff are somewhat effective in blocking viruses, but those made for the general public offer very little protection, plus they cause us to touch our faces more. Nor have I read of any effort to make medical masks for the general public available even though all the experts agree those for the general public are next to useless.

Here's the statement on the box of my most recent purchase of washable, reusable 100% cotton masks, breathable, with adjustable nosepiece. "Not recommended for use in a surgical setting or where significant exposure to liquid, bodily or other hazardous fluids may be expected." "Shall not be used in a clinical setting where the infection risk level through inhalation exposure is high." Then in teeny-tiny print there is something about Covid. First, it has, "not been FDA cleared or approved." Then on the next line, "This product has been authorized by FDA under an EUA (emergency use authorization) for use by HCP as PPE to help prevent the spread of infection of illness in healthcare setting and by the general public to help slow the spread of the virus during the Covid19 pandemic." And then it cites section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 360bbb-3(b)(1) unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

Meanwhile it has been a very useful method to keep Americans fighting amongst each other, even here in peaceful idyllic Lakeside, instead of taking back their country, churches, and freedoms.

Also, you can do your own research.  Don’t take my word for it. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

A world from Bill

We went to high school “together,” although I don’t think we ever spoke.

“The Republican party still has not learned they did not win.  Trump won.  With out Trump they would just be the looser party who spends all their time bitching at the Dems in office.  That is all the Republican party did after Reagan left office. Republicans just talk and get nothing done.  That is why Trump has been so refreshing.  He gets things done in a big way. A big example, talker and no action guy is Lindsey Graham.  The entire press including Fox news is on the war path to rid of Trump.  I have said for years if you want to see the USA  in 20 or 30 years, just look at France.  If Biden wins you will see France immediately as Biden has been forced to support the far left as that is all the Dems have left.  And make no mistake the American voter is not very well informed as they will not spend the effort to understand..  I was always amazed at the European voters.  They seemed to really understand all the issues.  I just could not agree with them on their goals. It is very possible that Biden wins.  If you want to see chaos it will be a real eye opener.  You will not recognize the country in less than four years, “

Dark money for Biden

“A staggering $5.7 million—96 percent—of the $5.9 million bankrolling Victory 2020, a new pro-Biden super PAC, came from a single leftist “dark money” donor: the Sixteen Thirty Fund. The Sixteen Thirty Fund is the lobbying wing of the $635 million empire run by Arabella Advisors, according to its FEC filings.

It’s a startling revelation for a group used to operating in nearly total anonymity, but for anyone familiar with the Sixteen Thirty Fund it’s par for the course for the Left’s best-kept secret.

Last year we broke the story on the secretive, half-billion-dollar nonprofit network run by Arabella Advisors, a little-known consulting firm in DC run by Clinton administration alum Eric Kessler. Our report The Shadow Over America went even deeper—exposing the now $635 million behemoth’s roots in the infamous ACORN and its vast reach in American politics.

Sixteen Thirty is the tip of the spear in the Left’s anti-Trump “resistance.” It spent hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying against the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 and has poured rivers of money into left-wing activist groups—with almost no reporting by the media until our exposé revealed the nearly 15-year-old scheme.”

https://capitalresearch.org/article/arabella-advisors-dark-money-backs-biden-expect-even-more/? Capital Research Center

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/09/17/unmasked-secretive-arabella-advisors-really-behind-grassroots-protest-movement-opposing-trumps-judicial-nominees/ Breitbart

https://www.influencewatch.org/for-profit/arabella-advisors/

“Several election-focused PACs received large sums from Sixteen Thirty, according to FEC filings. The pro-Biden Unite the Country PAC, liberal operative David Brock's American Bridge PAC, and a joint fundraising venture between the two groups hauled in a combined $11.4 million from the fund last month. Priorities USA Action, the largest Democratic super PAC, received $3.5 million. The Black PAC, a progressive group focused on black voter turnout, received $2.25 million from the dark money entity—nearly all of the $2.5 million the committee raised in June.”

https://freebeacon.com/2020-election/dark-money-network-conceals-20-million-in-liberal-election-spending/ Free Beacon

Evidence for cloth masks? Not much

I’m still looking for peer-reviewed research that recommends universal face mask use by the general public using non-medical grade masks.  Doesn’t seem to be any.  Only suggestions for more research.

Covid-19: What is the evidence for cloth masks?

BMJ 2020; 369 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m1422 (Published 07 April 2020) Cite this as: BMJ 2020;369:m1422 

https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1422

“A preprint of a rapid systematic review has assessed the current evidence on respiratory illnesses and the use of face masks (mainly surgical paper masks) in community settings.4 The paper, yet to be peer reviewed, included 31 studies, of which 12 were randomised controlled trials. The researchers reported that “wearing facemasks can be very slightly protective against primary infection from casual community contact, and modestly protective against household infections when both infected and uninfected members wear facemasks.” However, they said that many of the studies “suffered from poor compliance and controls.”

They concluded, “The evidence is not sufficiently strong to support widespread use of facemasks as a protective measure against covid-19. However, there is enough evidence to support the use of facemasks for short periods of time by particularly vulnerable individuals when in transient higher risk situations.”

Commenting on these findings, Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, said, “There is only very limited evidence of the benefits of wearing face masks by the general public, no evidence that wearing them in crowded places helps at all, and no evidence at all yet related to covid-19 . . . The authors also acknowledge that mass face mask wearing by the public would likely cause shortages among people who genuinely need protective equipment—healthcare workers on the front line in our hospitals.” “  Another researcher in virology says if the aerosal droplet hits the weave instead of a hole, there is some protection.