Facebook Founder Calls for MORE Internet Regulations

/0 Comments/in , /by

In an opinion piece published Saturday in The Washington Post, [Mark] Zuckerberg said there are four areas where more oversight is necessary: harmful content, election integrity, privacy and data portability.

“Technology is a major part of our lives, and companies such as Facebook have immense responsibilities,” Zuckerberg wrote. “Every day, we make decisions about what speech is harmful, what constitutes political advertising, and how to prevent sophisticated cyberattacks. These are important for keeping our community safe. But if we were starting from scratch, we wouldn’t ask companies to make these judgments alone.

Because of Facebook’s ability to control content – particularly speech – Zuckerberg said the company is creating an independent body so users can appeal decisions the social media giant makes regarding content removal. He also said Facebook is working with governments to make sure its content review systems are effective.

Since people use many different forms of sharing services, each with their own policies for policing harmful content, Zuckerberg said there needs to be a “more standardized approach.” He suggested having more regulation to set the baselines for content that is forbidden and require companies to create systems that are used to keep harmful content to a “bare minimum.”

“Facebook already publishes transparency reports on how effectively we’re removing harmful content,” the chief executive wrote. “I believe every major Internet service should do this quarterly, because it’s just as important as financial reporting. Once we understand the prevalence of harmful content, we can see which companies are improving and where we should set the baselines.” (Read more from “Facebook Founder Calls for MORE Internet Regulations” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

2020 Dems Go After Biden Over Assault Scandal

/0 Comments/in , /by

A number of Democratic presidential candidates weighed in on Sunday on the allegations made by a former Nevada political candidate that former Vice President Joe Biden kissed her on the back of the head in 2014.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., told ABC’s “This Week” that she has no reason not to believe the allegations made by Lucky Flores that Biden kissed the former Nevada state assemblywoman on the back of her head during a 2014 campaign rally supporting her bid for lieutenant governor.

“I have no reason not to believe her,” Klobuchar said. “I think we know from campaigns and politics that people raise issues and they have to address them, and that’s what he will have to do with the voters if he gets into the race.” . . .

In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort,” [Joe] Biden said in his own statement Sunday. “And not once — never — did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention.” . . .

Earlier in the weekend, while speaking to reporters in Iowa, two other Democratic candidates – Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro said they believed Flores. (Read more from “2020 Dems Go After Biden Over Assault Scandal” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

WATCH: Donald Trump Jr. Pounds the Media Over Their Coverage of Russia Investigation

/0 Comments/in , /by

Donald Trump Jr. slammed the media over its handling of the Russia investigation on Sunday during an interview with Fox News’ Howard Kurtz on “Media Buzz,” saying that “it became a business model for most media to attack Donald Trump and to buy into this narrative.”

Trump Jr.’s interview came after Attorney General William Barr sent a letter to Congress over a week ago that revealed that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation did not find that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and that there was not enough evidence to pursue charging the president with obstruction of justice.

Speaking on whether he thought Mueller’s investigation wanted to find President Donald Trump guilty of crimes, Trump Jr. said: “I think so because they didn’t find anything, but the reality is there was nothing there to find. Now I don’t believe for one second that there’s not one person on that team whose dream it would not have been to take down Donald Trump — I stand by that 100 percent.” . . .

“I think there were some people that tried to actually be fair — when they were actually fair you’d see the other side just try to just obliterate them, right, even their own following. So you know, I think there were a couple of people that did good reporting, and I don’t mean you know conservative reporters,” Trump Jr. said. “I mean actually people on the other side that were at least unbiased or try to look at it objectively… They lost their following, they get ratioed to heck, you know, it became a business model for most media to attack Donald Trump and to buy into this narrative. And if you didn’t you upset a lot of people, you risked your career, and you risked other things.”

(Read more from “WATCH: Donald Trump Jr. Pounds the Media Over Their Coverage of Russia Investigation” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

Breakout Box Office Hit: Pro-Life Film ‘Unplanned’ Does Exceptionally

/0 Comments/in , /by

Despite intense media opposition, an “R” rating from the MPAA, and big tech censorship, pro-life film “Unplanned” is wildly outperforming expectations at the box office.

The biopic — which details Planned Parenthood defector Abby Johnson’s dramatic journey from abortion mouthpiece to pro-life crusader — has taken in an estimated $6,110,000 this weekend, expected to become the #5 movie at the box office. . .

Notably, “Unplanned” ($6 million budget) racked up a cumulative per-screen average of $5,770 per screen, edging out big-budget flick “Captain Marvel” ($152 million budget). . .

The pro-life film, unsurprisingly, has been thrown one obstacle after another due to its exposure of Planned Parenthood and the reality of abortion. “Unplanned” was hit with a controversial R rating from the MPAA and TV networks refused to the film’s ads. On Saturday, Twitter inexplicably suspended the official account for the movie; however, after swift backlash, the “error” was fix and the account was restored.

“Unplanned” is centered around Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood executive who assisted with over 22,000 abortions before witnessing an ultra-sound-guided abortion that made her leave the industry.

(Read more from “Breakout Box Office Hit: Pro-Life Film ‘Unplanned’ Does Exceptionally” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

Former Democrat State Senator Accuses Biden of Sexual Harassment

/0 Comments/in , , /by

By Daily Wire. Former Nevada Democrat state Sen. Lucy Flores accused former Vice President Joe Biden of sexual misconduct in a piece she wrote about a 2014 encounter she had with him that left her “mortified,” saying she had “never experienced anything so blatantly inappropriate and unnerving before.”

Flores, a former member of Bernie Sanders’ political group Our Revolution, says that the incident happened as she was about to go on for a rally just days before the upcoming elections were held.

“Just before the speeches, we were ushered to the side of the stage where we were lined up by order of introduction,” Flores wrote. “As I was taking deep breaths and preparing myself to make my case to the crowd, I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. ‘Why is the vice-president of the United States touching me?'”

“I felt him get closer to me from behind. He leaned further in and inhaled my hair. I was mortified,” Flores continued. “He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head. My brain couldn’t process what was happening. I was embarrassed. I was shocked. I was confused. … I wanted nothing more than to get Biden away from me.” . . .

“Imagine you’re at work and a male colleague who you have no personal relationship with approaches you from behind, smells your hair, and kisses you on the head,” Flores continued. “Now imagine it’s the CEO of the company. If Biden and I worked together in a traditional office, I would have complained to the HR department, but on the campaign trail, there’s no clear path for what to do when a powerful man crosses the line.”

(Read more from “Former Democrat State Senator Accuses Biden of Sexual Harassment” HERE)

___________________________________________________

An Awkward Kiss Changed How I Saw Joe Biden

By The Cut. I found my way to the holding room for the speakers, where everyone was chatting, taking photos, and getting ready to speak to the hundreds of voters in the audience. Just before the speeches, we were ushered to the side of the stage where we were lined up by order of introduction. As I was taking deep breaths and preparing myself to make my case to the crowd, I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. “Why is the vice-president of the United States touching me?”

I felt him get closer to me from behind. He leaned further in and inhaled my hair. I was mortified. I thought to myself, “I didn’t wash my hair today and the vice-president of the United States is smelling it. And also, what in the actual f***? Why is the vice-president of the United States smelling my hair?” He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head. My brain couldn’t process what was happening. I was embarrassed. I was shocked. I was confused. There is a Spanish saying, “tragame tierra,” it means, “earth, swallow me whole.” I couldn’t move and I couldn’t say anything. I wanted nothing more than to get Biden away from me. My name was called and I was never happier to get on stage in front of an audience. . .

Our strange interaction happened during a pivotal moment in my political career. I’d spent months raising money, talking to voters, and securing endorsements. Biden came to Nevada to speak to my leadership and my potential to be second-in-command — an important role he knew firsthand. But he stopped treating me like a peer the moment he touched me. Even if his behavior wasn’t violent or sexual, it was demeaning and disrespectful. I wasn’t attending the rally as his mentee or even his friend; I was there as the most qualified person for the job. (Read more from “An Awkward Kiss Changed How I Saw Joe Biden” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

Chinese City Offering Rewards for People to Turn in Christian Groups

/0 Comments/in , /by

A city in southern China is offering $1,500 to citizens willing to inform on “illegal religious groups,” ramping up China’s crackdown on underground churches.

The Guangzhou Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs officially announced the offer of the reward on its website, saying that anyone who provides information about the structure of an illegal religious group, or information leading to the capture of key members and leaders of those groups would receive 10,000 Yuan. The announcement comes as part of Guangzhou officials’ increasingly severe crackdown on Christian churches that have not registered with China’s communist government. . .

Guangzhou authorities raided and shut down Rongguili Church in December of 2018, claiming that the unregistered church had violated China’s Religious Affairs Regulation. The church, which served a congregation of roughly 5,000 Christian faithful, was one of the most prominent centers of Christian worship in southern China. Christians in Guangzhou, however, are not alone in suffering persecution from Chinese government officials.

Shortly before the closure of Rongguili Church, authorities in Chengdu shut down Early Rain Covenant Church and arrested its pastor and 100 of its 500 members. Authorities in Beijing shut down Zion Church, which served 1,500, in September of that year. Chinese authorities have repeatedly kidnapped and detained pastors and priests who refuse to submit to the Chinese Communist Party. At least four regional governments have also banned children from attending church and any other religious activity and threatened any believers caught taking a child to church with severe penalties. (Read more from “Chinese City Offering Rewards for People to Turn in Christian Groups” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

Dick’s Sporting Goods Lost Millions Over Anti-Gun Policies – Here’s How Much the Backlash Cost

/0 Comments/in , /by

Dick’s Sporting Goods took a loss of an estimated $150 million in sales last year after the company heavily restricted firearm purchases and began advocating for gun control.

The company made various policy changes after a school shooting in Parkland, Florida, left 17 dead. It announced it would no longer sell modern sporting rifles or high-capacity magazines and increased the purchase age for all firearms to 21. . .

The anti-gun shift made massive waves when it was first announced in February 2018 and Stack was accused of violating fiduciary duties by knowingly and purposely giving up money. Some gun manufacturers cut ties with Dick’s and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) expelled the company from its membership. The loss of customers was also almost immediately felt.

“Sales are so anemic and relations with gun manufacturers such as Mossberg so poor right now that you’ve even indicated Dick’s might get out the gun business entirely,” David Almasi, a vice president at the National Center for Public Policy Research, said in June on a shareholder’s call. “Meanwhile, Sportsman’s Warehouse reports that their gun sales and net sales were up 15 percent during the first quarter. That company credits consumer backlash against companies such as Dick’s as partially responsible for its success.” (Read more from “Dick’s Sporting Goods Lost Millions Over Anti-Gun Policies – Here’s How Much the Backlash Cost” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

Fox Guest: Michelle Obama Got Smollett Charges Dropped, Here’s Why

/0 Comments/in , , /by

A Wednesday Fox Business segment labeled Jussie Smollett’s exoneration a “travesty of justice” and sought to confirm conspiracy theories Michelle Obama called in “favors” to get his charges dropped by Cook County prosecutors.

Fox Business host Stuart Varney opened his Tuesday segment declaring “the influence and power of liberal elites” was on full display in Chicago this week as Illinois prosecutors waived 16 charges against the Empire star. Self-proclaimed libertarian and Sean Hannity correspondent Lawrence Jones III touted unfounded and baseless claims former First Lady Michelle Obama “made some phone calls” to have the charges dropped in order to distract Americans from the disclosure of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation into President Donald Trump.

Although Republican Senate House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was behind the blocking of the full Mueller report, the Fox crew nonetheless accused Democrat politicians — and their wives — of corrupting Cook County prosecutors.

“We know that Michelle Obama’s chief of staff made some phone calls,” Jones said on Fox Business Wednesday. “I would also note that the reason why they released this now is because after the Trump investigation was concluded they knew during the news cycle this was the perfect time to release this.” The frequent Fox News guest cited Chicago Sun-Times, which reported Tina Tchen, a Chicago attorney who formerly worked for Obama, had previously asked Cook County lead prosecutor Kim Foxx to coerce the Chicago Police Department into turning the investigation over to federal authorities.

(Read more from “Fox Guest: Michelle Obama Got Smollett Charges Dropped, Here’s Why” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

GOP Legislator Prays to Jesus for Forgiveness Before State’s First Muslim Woman Swears In

/0 Comments/in , /by

State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz was on the ninth “Jesus” of her opening prayer in the Pennsylvania statehouse when other lawmakers started to look uncomfortable.

Speaker Mike Turzai, a fellow Republican, glanced up – but Borowicz carried on, delivering a 100-second ceremonial invocation that some of her colleagues decried as an offensive, divisive and Islamophobic display shortly before the legislature swore in its first Muslim woman.

“God forgive us – Jesus – we’ve lost sight of you, we’ve forgotten you, God, in our country, and we’re asking you to forgive us,” Borowicz said, followed by a quote from the Bible’s second book of Chronicles that implores God’s followers to “turn from their wicked ways.” Then she praised President Donald Trump for his unequivocal support of Israel. . .

As the prayer reached a crescendo, at least one member shouted objections. Turzai, standing behind her, looked up again and nudged her elbow, prompting her to quickly conclude the address. Afterward, the protests only grew louder.

“It blatantly represented the Islamophobia that exists among some leaders – leaders that are supposed to represent the people,” Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, the newly sworn-in Democrat who is Muslim, told the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Monday. “I came to the Capitol to help build bipartisanship and collaborations regardless of race or religion to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the Commonwealth.” (Read more from “GOP Legislator Prays to Jesus for Forgiveness Before State’s First Muslim Woman Swears In” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

China Warns U.S. Against Push to Label Pakistan-Based Jihadi a ‘Global Terrorist’

/0 Comments/in , /by

China and its all-weather ally Pakistan are reportedly furious with the United States for pushing a draft resolution this week to outlaw the Pakistani leader of an anti-India, U.S.-designated terrorist group directly to the United Nations Security Council, bypassing established procedures. . .

Responding to the recent U.S. move, Geng Shuang, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, reportedly urged the United States to “act cautiously” and avoid “forcefully” pushing the draft resolution.

“This is not in line with [the] resolution of the issue through dialogue and negotiations. This has reduced the authority of the committee as a main anti-terrorism body of the UNSC, and this is not conducive to the solidarity and only complicates the issue,” Geng added. . .

China and Pakistan are closed military and financial allies. While Pakistan refuses to condemn the reported mistreatment of Muslims in China’s Xinjiang province, Beijing has repeatedly defended Islamabad against accusations of serving as a sanctuary for terrorists.

According to the U.S. government, China faces a terrorist threat from jihadis training and operating in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, which houses the highest concentration of terrorist groups in the world. (Read more from “China Warns U.S. Against Push to Label Pakistan-Based Jihadi a ‘Global Terrorist'” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE