Here’s Why the J6 SCOTUS Hearing Matters

Here’s Why the J6 SCOTUS Hearing Matters

CATHERINE SALGADO

   

AP Photo/John Minchillo

Yes, the Jan. 6 case being heard by the Supreme Court is important and relevant to your life. It could influence not only Donald Trump’s case, it could well prove a defining moment for all Jan. 6 cases. It is a moment to decide if political dissent is allowed or if it is criminalized. 

We all know there is a double standard in our judiciary now. Peaceful pro-lifers and Trump supporters are prosecuted and persecuted with far greater harshness than literal murderers, child rapists, and Antifa rioters who burned down cities. The main question for this J6 hearing now is what decision the Supreme Court will make. Even aside from the verdict, what arguments will be made? How will the case be framed? Can all Trump supporters rely on the Supreme Court to be objective and reject political persecution? Or will the rights and freedom of every individual who publicly challenges the party currently in power be at risk?

The events of Jan. 6, 2021, continue to be controversial. Enough evidence has now emerged that we know the overwhelming majority of protesters that day (including some facing years in jail) were peaceful, and lawyers have stated that some individuals accused of violence were arguably defending themselves from police brutality. But whether the J6ers have been accused of violence or merely being present, whether they snapped selfies or shouted at police, whether they never entered the Capitol or moved furniture around the halls of Congress, they are all still American citizens with certain rights. And those rights have, in a number of cases, been shockingly violated.

Over 1,300 people have been arrested in connection with Jan. 6, and arrests continue even into 2024, three years later. There have been multiple J6 prisoners' reports over the last few years of inhumane conditions, being denied not only rights but necessities like medical care, and being treated worse than terrorists. Congressional investigation confirmed the shocking treatment.

As an opinion piece in The Epoch Times previously noted, some arrests of Jan. 6 prisoners evoked “Gestapo tactics.” Trump supporters are indeed too often treated as “guilty until proven innocent and [as] undeserving of the basic civil rights that all other Americans are supposed to be afforded under the Constitution.” FBI agent Steve Friend was so disturbed by the FBI campaign against Jan. 6 protesters that he ended up becoming a whistleblower. Dinesh D’Souza particularly highlighted the shameful treatment of J6ers in his movie “Police State.” 

As I summed up in another piece:

Peaceful protestor Raymond Chambers entered the Capitol for only three minutes on Jan. 6, 2021, but he now faces jail time; and several other J6ers with “viable defenses” were convicted around the same time. Jan. 6 prisoner Jake Lang has been in jail for three years, often in reportedly abusive prison conditions, without trial, [and his prison conditions have only worsened]. He and other J6ers, including Philip Anderson, recently said on Twitter/X that they cannot expect objective justice as long as Joe Biden is in office. Regardless of whether a January 6 prisoner actually did commit violent crimes or is completely innocent, he has certain rights under the Constitution, including the right to a speedy trial. That right is being violated.

Recommended: Shellenberger: Brazil’s Spiral into CCP-Like Tyranny Should Scare Americans

Yes, the arguments being heard at the Supreme Court for ex-police officer Joseph Fischer are very important, and they are applicable to your life. We have seen Brazil’s rapid spiral into authoritarianism, but, as journalist Michael Shellenberger warned, the United States — under Joe Biden — is heading down the same slippery slope. If there is no objective justice, free from political bias, for the Jan. 6 protesters, then how is any citizen safe? If America is no longer a country of laws but a country of politicians, a country at the mercy of whoever is currently in power, how can we remain free?

https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2024/04/16/heres-why-the-j6-scotus-hearing-matters-n4928221

 

Biden Admin Faces Heat After Announcing Drastic Plan That Fuels Radical 'Climate Change' Agenda

Sarah Arnold | April 20, 2024 5:30 PM

    

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

The Biden Administration is facing heat after announcing on Friday that it plans to block oil and gas drilling across millions of acres in an Alaskan reserve. 

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) outlined new restrictions on oil and gas reserves along 13 million acres on a petroleum reserve in Alaska, claiming the move will conserve land that is important to the “Alaska Native people” and the “fish and wildlife.” 

“Following significant engagement with the public, Alaska Native Tribes, and Alaska Native Corporations, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) finalized the Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) rule that will ensure maximum protection for significant resource values on the more than 13 million acres of Special Areas in the western Arctic, while supporting subsistence uses and needs for Alaska Native communities,” the agency said. 

Just days before Earth Day, the restrictions would confine over 13 million acres of public land within the National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A) as part of the Biden Administration’s radical climate agenda. 

According to the DOI, the regulations as proposed would create an outright prohibition on any new leasing across 10.6 million acres of the area, equivalent to about 40% of the entire NPR-A. They would additionally require the DOI subagency the Bureau of Land Management to review whether to expand protected areas or create new protected areas in the NPR-A at least every five years.

Under the administration's actions curbing development in the NPR-A, future oil and gas leasing and industrial development would be strictly limited in the vast Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and Peard Bay – "special areas" known for their rich wildlife populations on Alaska's North Slope. DOI said closing the land off from resource development would help protect various wildlife species, including caribou. Via Fox News Digital. 

Biden appointee Secretary Deb Haaland credited “science” in the department’s decision to remain committed to ensuring “that places too special to develop remain intact for the communities and species that rely on them.”

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State Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) called the move an “illegal” attack on the state’s oil and gas industry.

“Today we are here to discuss how the Biden administration is fine with our adversaries producing energy and dominating the world’s critical mineral markets while shutting down those in America,” Sullivan said. “Living in the most dangerous times since World War II… [Washington has allowed] dictators in Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran” to “undermine our national security interests. The Biden administration is not normal, indeed this administration is deliberately undertaking policies to punish Americans and undermine our strengths while continuing to help our adversaries.” 

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2024/04/20/biden-admin-to-block-millions-of-acres-in-alaska-from-oil-gas-drilling-n2638058?utm_source=thdailyvip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&bcid=15803c7fc8c68b6fd1f0a5e7f4b59fc49df45d48335d4339ad60f7b0a0c7404d&recip=28668535

Small-Business Owners in California Seek Greener Pastures Amid High Taxes and Crime

Small-Business Owners in California Seek Greener Pastures Amid High Taxes and Crime

By Mary Prenon

4/18/2024

Updated:

4/18/2024

0:00

7:48

Commentary

For the past 10 years, Armitage Winery has been producing and selling fine wines directly from its Heart of the Mountain Vineyard, perched 1,500 feet above Monterey Bay in Scotts Valley, California. The family-owned business has taken pride in operating its vineyard, tasting room, and wine club from this exclusive location in the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains.

But every year, the escalating costs of taxes, insurance, and labor, coupled with what many are calling the government’s “anti-business” attitude, are forcing numerous business to consider moving out of state or at least planning to move.

Brandon Armitage, President and Winemaker in the vineyards at Armitage Winery, Scotts Valley, Calif.. (Courtesy of Kelly Bradford)

Armitage Winery is just one of 67 percent of California businesses surveyed that report they are unhappy doing business in the Golden State. Of that 67 percent, 30 percent indicate that are currently considering a move, 27 percent say they want to move but can’t afford it, and 10 percent are actively planning a move.

The recent survey, conducted by PublicSquare and RedBalloon, included 80,000 small-business owners nationwide. Overall, the survey found that a mere 13 percent of small-business owners in California are actually happy with their location—nearly 40 percent lower than the national average.

High taxes were listed as the number-one reason why California businesses want to relocate, with 86.4 percent responding that taxes are just cutting too much into their profits. Almost 85 percent named anti-business government policies as another major reason to leave. On the national level, that compares to 64.5 percent of employers listing high taxes and 59.4 percent, anti-business government as their biggest complaints

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Kelly Bradford, vice president of sales for Armitage Winery, told The Epoch Times they’re considering a move to Oregon, where land, taxes, and labor will be less expensive. “We love it here, but we just can’t afford it,” she admitted. “We don’t own the property, and it’s become harder and harder to meet the costs of growing grapes, farming, and producing wine. Taxes and insurance are higher, and so is the cost of labor and contractors.”

Set on the estate where renowned director Afred Hitchcock once owned a summer estate, the Armitage Winery opened up to the public just eight months ago, to help with revenue streams. Previously, it had produced its line of pinot noirs and chardonnays for wine club customers only. “However, we had started to see more abandoned online shopping carts due to the added high cost of taxes and fees,” Ms. Bradford said.

With a price range of $39–75 per bottle, the winery caters to middle and upper middle-class consumers. “Some people have told us our price point is too low, but we really want to keep it where it is,” explained Ms. Bradford. “We’ve already had a lot of drop-offs from our wine club members, and most of them have cited financial reasons why they can’t continue to purchase.”

The high cost of doing business, escalating living and costs the local political climate, are forcing the family to give some serious thought to relocating. In addition to Oregon, they’re also looking into options in Idaho and Arizona.

Andrew Crapuchettes, RedBalloon CEO, is a former San Francisco Bay area resident who now calls Idaho home. He told The Epoch Times that California’s government is just not paying attention to small business. “I think what you’re seeing there is an early indicator of what’s going to happen to the economy in general,” he explained. “If there’s a groundswell and businesses start leaving California en masse, it would be devastating to the whole state.”

RedBalloon, self-described as “America’s #1 woke-free job board and talent connector,” provides job posting and recruiting services across the United States and Canada. Mr. Crapuchettes describes the current situation in California like the Eagles band’s famous hit single, “Hotel California.”  “Nearly a third of small businesses in California feel like they’re stuck, where they can check out anytime they like, but they can never leave,” he quoted a passage from the song.

Nationwide, nearly half of all small-business owners (47.7 percent) reported they are happy with their current location and have no plans to move. In Florida, 75 percent surveyed indicated they are very happy in the Sunshine State.

Mr. Crapuchettes contends local public schools also play a huge role in where business owners plan to locate. “In Florida, business owners seem to be super happy, but in California, more than 75 percent of owners named ‘woke public schools’ as another reason for wanting to leave,” he said. “People don’t realize the impact schools have on local businesses. This is their future workforce.”

Close to 60 percent of California business owners also responded that crime has increased significantly over the past 12 months. Comparing red and blue states, the survey indicated 76 percent of those doing business in red states are content, while just a little more than 25 percent of business owners in blue states reported they were happy. “The stark contrasts leave little doubt where small businesses thrive,” added Mr. Crapuchettes.

Cherie and Curtis Falwell, owners of Bulletproof Pet Products in Brentwood, Calif. (Courtesy of Cherie Falwell)

Cherie Falwell and her husband Curtis have been operating their business, Bulletproof Pet Products, from their Brentwood, California, location for the past 10 years. The business sells safe chew toys for dogs to over 250 stores in the United States, as well as directly to consumers online.

Bulletproof Pets safe toys for dogs. (Courtesy of Cherie Falwell)

After growing up and living in the area for her entire life, Ms. Falwell is considering moving their home and business to Nevada, where there is currently no state tax. “Everything is so expensive here, and the taxes are very hard for a small business to handle,” she told The Epoch Times. “By the time we pay our bills, employees, and taxes, there’s just not that much money left over.”

The couple also worries about the decline in the quality of life over the years. “Brentwood has always been considered a nice area, but now people are being robbed at gunpoint on the streets, there’s constant shoplifting in local stores, and the homeless have overrun the city,” she said. “The only thing nice about living here now is the weather. I thought I’d never want to leave California, but I just don’t feel safe here anymore.”

Since they can run the business from anywhere, Ms. Falwell said the only thing they’ll need is an area with a good internet connection and a local post office. “It’s really hard watching a place change so much,” she added.

Scott Fuller, owner of LeavingTheBayArea.com, is yet another example of a California business owner who left for greener pastures. Mr. Fuller and his family moved to Gilbert, Arizona, several years ago, and his consulting firm helps other San Francisco Bay area residents to find more affordable housing and a better quality of life in other states.

In addition to California’s high cost of doing business and housing, Mr. Fuller noted that quality of life issues like crime and homelessness are continuing to coax people to relocate. “California is one of the leaders in being a sanctuary state for illegal immigration, and people are now factoring in their tax increases that will be needed to pay for all of the extra social services,” he told The Epoch Times in an earlier interview.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/small-business-owners-in-california-seek-greener-pastures-amid-high-taxes-and-crime-5632329?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport&src_src=partner&src_cmp=BonginoReport