The Medlock Post

5/03/2023

Scoop: Biden's new strategy on judges

May 3, 2023

The White House is deploying a new strategy to guide its judicial nominees through a tricky Senate process that has gotten harder with the prolonged absence of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Axios has learned.

Driving the news: President Biden today will nominate four new judges for openings on federal district courts — and the White House is optimistic about winning confirmation based on behind-the-scenes groundwork.

Why it matters: Feinstein’s health-related absence from the Judiciary Committee looked like it might bring Biden confirmations to a halt in the Senate, where Democrats have a razor-thin majority.

But Biden officials have begun a coordinated effort to work more closely with senators, including Republicans, about judicial vacancies in their home states.
The officials include White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, Counsel Stuart Delery, Director of Legislative Affairs Louisa Terrell, and their staffs.

Key takeaways from Senate hearing on Supreme Court ethics

May 3, 2023

Supreme Court ethics and questions surrounding the conduct of Justice Clarence Thomas were on full display Tuesday at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

The panel heard from a range of legal experts on whether Congress has the authority to require the high court to adopt an enforaceable code of conduct. Democrats have pushed for such legislation following reports scrutinizing Justice Thomas' nondisclosure of private luxury travel and accommodations from a wealthy Republican donor.

"How low can the court go?" chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asked as the hearing kicked off.

"We wouldn't tolerate this from a city council member or an alderman," Durbin added. "It falls short of ethical standards we expect of any public servant in America. And yet the Supreme Court won't even acknowledge it's a problem."

Meanwhile, Republicans made it clear they would push back on any congressional attempt to impose rules on the court and accused Democrats of "political theater."

5/02/2023

On government ethics – Look over there, folks

May 2, 2023

Democratic Senators will profess to be concerned about ethics in government during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. A transparent purpose, however, is to deflect attention from their own party’s epic fail in enforcing ethical standards, to say nothing of the law, with respect to President Joe Biden.

There is now abundant evidence that the Commander-in-Chief has become very wealthy through a series of influence-peddling transactions with, among others, intelligence agents of America’s foremost enemy: the Chinese Communist Party. Of course, Biden has not formally disclosed any of these deals. Yet not a single Democratic Senator has called for his investigation, let alone condemned him.

Spare us the crocodile tears about purportedly insufficient filings by Supreme Court justices until a man who is supposed to set the standard for ethical and lawful conduct in our government is held to account.

This is Frank Gaffney.

Read and Listen

Bold action needed to deter China’s invasion of Taiwan

May 2, 2023

China‘s actions against Taiwan are increasing in scope and intensity. We have documented the exercises around Taiwan, the first (Joint Fire Strike) last August and the second (Joint Anti-Air Raid) last month, and we anticipate a third (Joint Island Landing) this fall, all of which are designed to prepare for the invasion of Taiwan.

Given that the invasion of Taiwan could occur at any time and might come as soon as this year, drastic actions must be taken to deter the People’s Republic of China.

The threat of an invasion of Taiwan is real and increasing in likelihood as evinced by many factors, including the exercises that provide Beijing with the confidence to conduct the invasion without fear of defeat by Taiwan’s forces or allied forces. The exercises were supported and integrated with joint logistics and information dominance.

Moreover, China‘s maritime and aerial penetration of Taiwan’s territory is now routine, increasing frequency and location of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s carrier operations near Taiwan, Japan and Guam. In addition, Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s statements, as well as those from other CCP and government officials, are ever more explicit about realizing their strategic goal of invading Taiwan.

‘Go Woke, Go Broke’: Bud Light Sales PLUMMET Following Boycott – ‘This Kind Of Collapse Has Never Occurred’

May 2, 2023

On Monday, it was revealed that Bud Light has seen its sales numbers plummet in recent weeks after a major boycott was launched in reaction to Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

According to Business Beer Daily, Bud Light’s sales have dropped a shocking 26 percent on a year-over-year basis on sales that occur outside of the restaurant and bar sector for the week of April 22.

The news comes as another devastating week for the company after the week of April 15th saw a 21 percent decrease in sales bringing their total sale figures for the year down eight percent, as reported by Outkick.

In response to the news, conservatives celebrated by claiming the sales decreases are a sign that an effective boycott can change company policy.

State, local legislatures eye bans on gas-powered lawn equipment

May 2, 2023

Several states are rushing to prohibit gasoline-powered mowers, blowers and trimmers in dash to new, zero-emissions economy.

While the Biden administration and its Green New Deal allies have been expanding their list of technology targeted for forced obsolescence deeper into the realm of American family and private life to include gas stoves, light bulbs and traditional cars, local and state officials are stepping up the ongoing war against gas-powered landscaping equipment for both commercial and home use.

Over 100 localities across the U.S. have imposed bans on gas-powered lawn care equipment, according to the Washington Times. They may soon be joined by Dallas, whose municipal Environnment and Sustainability Committee last year recommended that the city "fully implement City-staff transition to electric equipment."

The Dallas committee cited case studies from other large jurisdictions like Washington, D.C., which has decreed that "no person sell, offer for sale, or use a gasoline-powered leaf blower," and Montgomery County, Md., which is weighing similar legislation.

In 2021, California extended a patchwork of local efforts statewide when Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB-1346, which "prohibit[s] engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines” by 2024 on the grounds that they "emit high levels of air pollutants."

On this day in history, May 2, 1611, King James Bible published, helped fuel revolution in American colonies

May 2, 2023

Story behind 'most widely published text in the English language' packed with royal intrigue

The King James Bible, the most famous version of the world’s most influential book, was published on this day in history, May 2, 1611.

"The King James, or Authorized, Version of the Bible remains the most widely published text in the English language," claims the British Library.

Commissioned by King James I of England in 1604, it is famed for its artfully written versions of Old and New Testament tales; its success bringing the Word of God to English-speaking commoners; and its influence on the American colonies.

"In commissioning the first complete English translation of Christianity’s most sacred book, the King hoped to end protests by the Puritan faction of the Church of England," the website MapsoftheWorld.com notes.

"The result, beyond simply an authoritative text on which to continue building the national religion, would have far-reaching influence on the language itself."

Bombshell Transcript Proving Antony Blinken Lied to Congress Leaves Republicans at a Crossroads

May 2, 20232

Whether Antony Blinken lied or not to Congress is no longer up for debate.

That’s the headline after a bombshell transcript of testimony given by the Secretary of State shows that he claimed to have never had email correspondence with Hunter Biden. That claim was wrapped in a broader answer in which Blinken attempted to distance himself from Joe Biden’s troubled son.

But as I shared in a recent write-up, Blinken had extensive contacts with the younger Biden. Those numerous exchanges culminated in setting up an in-person meeting between the two. Further emails confirm that the meeting did take place. That’s made more significant by the time period, which just so happened to be when Hunter Biden was on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

To put an even fine point on the probable corruption, Hunter Biden contacted another Burisma board member to announce his meeting with Blinken. Now, why would he do that if Burisma wasn’t the topic of discussion?

Where There’s Smoke

May 2, 2023

America is engulfed in billowing black smoke. America is on fire. America is burning to the ground.

I was recently walking home from the park with my awesome two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. She said, “Daddy, I smell smoke.” I pointed down the street where a neighbor was burning some brush. You could see smoke rising into the air. I told my little one, “See the smoke. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” She repeated the phrase in her cute little voice.

I’ve reflected that it’s amazing such a small child could comprehend “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” but most adults in America – indeed, the world – can’t seem to grasp the idea. Most see the smoke, but they can’t put two and two together and realize the smoke is a result of a burning society engulfed in a raging fire being deliberately stoked by their enemies. They blindly plod forward following the herd of apathetic and unthinking people to their doom – the blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14).

The first step on the road to recovery from a host of problems, both personal and societal, is to acknowledge there’s a problem. If we continue waltzing forward without admitting there are serious issues that are eroding and imploding everything good around us, we’ll one day wake up in the chains of Marxian high-tech feudalism.

Workin’ man blues

May 2, 2023

How the Democrats lost the white working class

He wasn’t a Southerner. But my paternal grandfather was a yellow dog Democrat. Born and raised on a farm in Hardin County — a small, tidy corner of northwest Ohio — Grandpa Nelson spent his life in overalls, out in the fields. He served in the army during World War II (nothing too exciting — he was a cook), came home, got married, had four kids and went to the Methodist church in town every Sunday. And, as long as he was physically able to vote, he threw his lot in with the Democratic candidates.

In that respect, my grandfather was an oddity. Ohio has been called the ultimate swing state; it also has a gift for being a national bellwether — other than Joe Biden, no presidential candidate has taken the country without taking Ohio since 1960. As has gone Ohio in 11 out of the past 12 elections, so has gone the country. The state went blue when Clinton won in 1992 and 1996, but then went red for Bush in the two elections that followed. And then it went blue again for both of Obama’s terms.

But Ohio broke ranks in 2020 — when the nation handed Biden the win, the state went the other way. Hardin County exemplified the change. It went red in 2016 and then even redder in 2020; Donald Trump got 75 percent of the vote there in the last presidential election, trouncing Biden by a 52-point margin.

There’s an easy explanation — Hardin is about as working class as you get. While 90 percent of the county has graduated from high school, only 16 percent have a bachelor’s degree. Manufacturing is the area’s single largest employer.

ETSU Doubles Down On Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Efforts After Acknowledging Lack Of Positive Outcomes

May 2, 2023

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is “shooting for the moon” with updated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts outlined in the institution’s strategic plan through 2026.

Strictly based on The University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s DEI infrastructure trajectory over the last several years, it looks like ETSU could achieve a fully built-out DEI infrastructure within the next three years.

It was recently reported that in ETSU’s April 3rd edition of their Office of Equity and Inclusion Newsletter, the school’s VP for Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Keith Johnson, reflected on the lack of positive outcomes regarding DEI efforts and suggested that there should be consequences if an institution does not achieve DEI performance goals.

This year, the Tennessee General Assembly considered a few pieces of legislation, including HB1376/SB0817 and HB0158/SB0102, to combat DEI efforts in both higher education and K-12 education.

HB2670/SB2290 was also passed back in 2022 with the same goal in mind.

People standing for national anthem horrifies progressive in viral video: 'Dangerous situation'

May 2, 2023

The sight of people standing with their hand over their heart for the National Anthem at a Southern California restaurant appeared to shock and horrify TikTok users.

In a viral video posted to the social media platform last week, about a dozen people are shown standing for the Star-Spangled Banner as it plays on a television screen in the bar area of Rainbow Oaks Restaurant in Fallbrook, California.

One TikTok user who was dining at the establishment posted the video with the caption, "By far the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in." She used the hashtags #godblessamerica. #getout, #illegal, and #whitepeoplethings afterwards.

Why Architecture Matters

May 2, 2023

Several years ago, I was in Washington D.C., going to the classic tourist spots and visiting several of the popular Smithsonian museums. Because I heavily relied on walking to get from place to place, I passed by many interesting sights that I wasn’t otherwise touring, such as the White House or the U.S. Capitol. But among the buildings that I saw in my walking escapades was one that stood out: the J. Edgar Hoover Building, which houses the FBI headquarters.

While the Capitol and White House were striking in their aesthetic appearances, the unadorned concrete of the J. Edgar Hoover Building loomed like a massive prison.

Coca-Cola shareholders vote down proposal that targets pro-life states

May 2, 2023

Companies have increasingly come under public scrutiny for alleged political biases.

Coca-Cola shareholders recently voted against a proposal to conduct a survey into how state laws restricting abortion impact the company's business performance.

"Shareholders request that Coca-Cola's Board of Directors issue a public report prior to December 31, 2023, omitting confidential information and at a reasonable expense, detailing any known and potential risks or costs to the company caused by enacted or proposed state policies severely restricting reproductive rights, and detailing any strategies beyond litigation and legal compliance that the company may deploy to minimize or mitigate these risks," the proposal stated.

The proposal was introduced by As You Sow, a nonprofit that promotes ESG policies in corporations. Eighty-seven percent of controlling shares voted against the measure.

Voting power is allotted per the number of shares an individual or entity owns. Rather than each individual having one vote, as in American elections, an entity that owns a higher percentage of shares will yield great voting power than an entity with less.

People Are Increasingly Unaware of Their Ignorance, and It’s a Problem

May 2, 2023

“Has there ever been a time in the world’s history when people were more sure of their opinions?” asks Jim Ferrell of the Arbinger Insitute.

Ferrell observes, “We become set in our opinions precisely because we have lost sight of the fact that they are merely opinions…our culture is suffering from what one might call ‘opinion creep’—the elevation of unsupported thoughts to the status of opinions and opinions to convictions.”

We don’t know how to have civil disagreements anymore. We fail to recognize that having a thought doesn’t make our thinking the truth. Ferrell writes, “We tend to have convictions about many things and to have opinions about almost everything else. We blind ourselves to the enormity of our ignorance.”

Cognitive scientists Steven Sloman and Phillip Fernbach in their book The Knowledge Illusion, put it this way: “In general we don’t appreciate how little we know; the tiniest bit of knowledge makes us feel like experts. Once we feel like an expert we start talking like an expert.”

We take that tiny bit of knowledge and, as Ferrell observes, elevate it to a conviction. Sloman and Fernbach write:

“The feeling that overwhelms us is ‘if only they understood.’ If only they understood how much we care, how open we are, and how our ideas would help, they would see things our way. But here’s the rub: While it’s true that your opponents don’t understand the problem in all its subtlety and complexity, neither do you.”

In Biden's 'post-constitutional' America, local officials, affected citizens should sue him: Levin

May 2, 2023

Biden willfully refuses to enforce federal immigration law to its intended extent, Levin said

Local and state officials dealing with the repercussions of President Biden choosing not to enforce federal immigration law to its fullest extent should use the power of the law to take the administration to court, former Reagan Justice Department chief of staff Mark Levin said Monday.

Levin, host of "Life, Liberty & Levin" as well as his eponymous Westwood One radio program, told "Hannity" that the far left has shown themselves unafraid of testing the limits of established law – be it through charges against a former president or several other instances.

Therefore, he suggested, right-leaning officials in states and cities affected by unfettered illegal immigration should feel empowered to sue Biden over his willful disregard for federal laws and established norms.

Levin also addressed Biden directly, asking what his response is to the estimated 100,000 victims of fatal fentanyl poisoning, or of the untold numbers of illegal immigrants who have died on their way to the United States or are found on U.S. private property dead of dehydration and the like.

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Republicans Proved They Aren’t Holding Anyone ‘Hostage’ On Raising The Debt Limit

May 2, 2023

After last Wednesday’s vote, Democrats can’t claim conservatives amount to legislative nihilists who can’t get to ‘yes’ on an issue.

Conventional wisdom holds that last week’s vote by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to approve a debt limit and spending reduction bill is meaningless. Democrats called the legislation dead on arrival in the Senate, making whatever the House decides to do on its own irrelevant.

As with many things in Washington, the corporate media’s conventional wisdom is wrong.

Approving a debt limit bill did more than dispel the narrative that the Republican House, and Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., will remain perpetually in disarray. By eliminating one of the major elements of Democrats’ political argument, it raised questions about their own strategic endgame.

Midwest Pro-Life March Is A Window To The Post-Dobbs Abortion Battle Embroiling States

May 2, 2023

Advocates gathered under St. Louis’ Gateway Arch this weekend for a pro-life march to resist abortion expansion in Missouri and other states.

Hundreds gathered under St. Louis’ trademark Gateway Arch this weekend for a pro-life march.

A “battleground” bordering Illinois, one of the country’s most permissive abortion states, Missouri effectively shut down its abortion industry in 2022, banning abortion just hours after the Supreme Court’s June ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. Now pro-lifers look to the east and south while continuing to lobby at home, fighting the passage of several referendums that could permit more abortions.

Speakers called for justice for pregnant women and their unborn, highlighting the deadly effects of chemical abortions on women and their children as abortion drugs are federally endorsed and become increasingly available.

“Our voice is especially important as we combat the abortion industry’s new frontier, chemical abortion,” said speaker Reagan Barklage, Students for Life national field director. “Chemical abortion not only ends the lives of preborn children but it is extremely harmful to women. While all abortions are dangerous, chemical abortion is especially, as it is four times more dangerous than surgical abortion.”

New poll shows Democrats have been the extremists on abortion

May 2, 2023

Left-wing politicians, pundits, and other elitists have regularly criticized Republicans on abortion. This is especially true after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade and held that the United States Constitution does not protect any right to abortion.

Predictably, the Left used this ruling to label Republicans as extremists regarding the killing of the unborn. Yet, data shows that it was actually Democrats who’ve become more radical on abortion, not Republicans.

A new poll published by Pew Research Center last week showed that between 2007 and 2023, there’s been a 20% increase among Democrats who believe that abortion “should be legal in all or most cases.” In 2007, 63% of Democrats felt abortion should always be legal; in 2023, that grew to 84% of Democrats. Meanwhile, the percentage of Republicans has roughly stayed the same over that period, with only a 1% increase in support, going from 39% to 40%.