With an increasing number of businesses on &#8220;lockdown&#8221; and a growing number of people out of work as a result, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is finding some creative ways to make life easier on those most effected, individuals and businesses alike — and former Navy SEAL Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) is making sure to celebrate his home state&#8217;s &#8220;positive moves.&#8221;
In one of several COVID-19-related executive orders, Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on Tuesday to &#8220;allow restaurants to sell bulk retail products from restaurant supply chain distributors directly to consumers,&#8221; a <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-authorizes-restaurants-to-sell-bulk-retail-product-from-distributors-to-the-public">press release</a> reads (full text below).
&#8220;Restaurants have food supply chains that don&#8217;t go through grocery stores,&#8221; Abbott explained in a tweet announcing the order. &#8220;Help keep our restaurants open [and] their employees working by using them as a source for your food needs. This waiver makes it easier for you as we all work to respond to the [coronavirus].&#8221;
Crenshaw — who has been <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-dan-crenshaw-gives-urgent-message-on-relief-package-unloads-on-democrats-for-tanking-it">pushing hard</a> for quick action by the his fellow members of Congress on an emergency relief package to help mitigate the devastating economic impact of widespread mandated shutdowns of schools and businesses — cheered Abbott&#8217;s action.
&#8220;[Gov. Abbott] with another positive move that will help Texas small businesses and the hardworking people who continue to feed us during this difficult time,&#8221; the congressman tweeted Wednesday in response to Abbott&#8217;s order. &#8220;If you need food, think of a local restaurant. Help our economy in anyway you can.&#8221;
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. <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregAbbott_TX</a> with another positive move that will help Texas small businesses and the hardworking people who continue to feed us during this difficult time.
If you need food, think of a local restaurant. Help our economy in anyway you can. <a href="https://t.co/6XSWjZYjuI">https://t.co/6XSWjZYjuI</a>
&mdash; Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanCrenshawTX/status/1242880592871653382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Abbott is also attempting to convince the federal government give more flexibility to people who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help both them and local restaurants.
&#8220;Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission sent a letter yesterday to the United States Department of Agriculture seeking permission to move forward to allow Texas Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits at take out and drive thru restaurants throughout the state as Texas continues to combat COVID-19. If approved, it would open up another food source for 3.2 million Texans,&#8221; a <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-sends-letter-seeking-permission-for-snap-recipients-to-use-their-benefits-at-take-out-and-drive-thru-restaurants">press release</a> from Abbott&#8217;s issued Wednesday reads.
&#8220;As we continue in our efforts to combat COVID-19, the state must do everything it can to make life more manageable for citizens and ensure that Texans can provide meals for their families,&#8221; said Abbott. &#8220;This waiver will go a long way in doing just that. I urge the federal government to quickly approve this waiver, giving Texans another food option during this public health emergency.&#8221;
Crenshaw made a point of also calling attention to this move. &#8220;Another good idea,&#8221; wrote Crenshaw Wednesday. &#8220;Note how many examples there have been of burdensome regulations getting in our way in dealing with this crisis.&#8221;
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Another good idea. 
Note how many examples there have been of burdensome regulations getting in our way in dealing with this crisis. <a href="https://t.co/wh58HlKf8t">https://t.co/wh58HlKf8t</a>
&mdash; Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanCrenshawTX/status/1242948283623972864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday, Abbott also &#8220;waived certain regulations from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding licensing renewal and subsequent fees for nurses in Texas,&#8221; a <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-waives-certain-licensing-renewal-regulations-fees-for-nurses">press release</a> of the governor&#8217;s office explained. &#8220;The Governor&#8217;s waiver authorizes a six-month grace period for nurses with expired licenses. This grace period will allow nurses who are otherwise in good standing to continue practicing and will give them additional time to renew their license without added fees and penalties. &#8220;&#8221;With these temporary waivers, nurses in Texas can continue caring for patients without worrying about potential delays or barriers imposed by the licensing renewal process,&#8221; Abbott said. &#8220;We are grateful for the nurses serving throughout our state, and Texas are committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs as we face this public health emergency.&#8221;
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dan-crenshaw-posts-info-everyone-in-america-should-read-about-why-democrats-killed-emergency-relief-package">Dan Crenshaw Posts Info ‘Everyone In America’ Should Read About Why Democrats Killed Emergency Relief Package</a>
Some of Governor Abbott&#8217;s tweets and press releases announcing the state&#8217;s coronavirus response measures below:
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Restaurants have food supply chains that don&#39;t go through grocery stores.
Help keep our restaurants open &amp; their employees working by using them as a source for your food needs.
This waiver makes it easier for you as we all work to respond to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/ArlKF7XM45">https://t.co/ArlKF7XM45</a>
&mdash; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1242653055851597824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Texas is asking the federal government to allow families that rely on SNAP benefits for food to use them at drive-thru restaurants. 
This helps those families and the businesses in Texas that provide food. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#txlege</a> <a href="https://t.co/375AIdzkwV">https://t.co/375AIdzkwV</a>
&mdash; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1242939117492633606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Governor Abbott Authorizes Restaurants To Sell Bulk Retail Product From Distributors To The Public (March 24, 2020)
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to issue guidance allowing restaurants to sell bulk retail products from restaurant supply chain distributors directly to consumers provided that such foods are in their original condition, packaging, or presented as received by the restaurant. Under this guidance, restaurants will be able to sell items like packaged meat, fruit and vegetables, and dry goods directly to the public to prepare and consume at home.This guidance will allow distributors and restaurants to provide Texans another source of food outside of grocery stores and prepared food from restaurants. These bulk food items would be available for purchase through restaurants offering drive-thru, delivery, pick-up, and curbside service.“A vital part of our COVID-19 response is to ensure that there are readily available supplies of food and resources, whether that is at grocery stores or, in this case, restaurants,” said Governor Abbott. “This guidance gives Texans another easily accessible option to buy the food they need to support their families. The State of Texas continues to work with distributors, retailers, and restaurants to ensure they have the support they need to continue providing for Texans. I thank Representative Tan Parker, the Texas Restaurant Association, and the Department of State Health Services for their collaboration to take this important step to help Texas families as our state responds to COVID-19.”
Governor Abbott Sends Letter Seeking Permission For SNAP Recipients To Use Their Benefits At Take Out And Drive-Thru Restaurants (March 25, 2020)
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission sent a letter yesterday to the United States Department of Agriculture seeking permission to move forward to allow Texas Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits at take out and drive thru restaurants throughout the state as Texas continues to combat COVID-19. If approved, it would open up another food source for 3.2 million Texans.&#8220;As we continue in our efforts to combat COVID-19, the state must do everything it can to make life more manageable for citizens and ensure that Texans can provide meals for their families,&#8221; said Governor Abbott. &#8220;This waiver will go a long way in doing just that. I urge the federal government to quickly approve this waiver, giving Texans another food option during this public health emergency.&#8221;
Governor Abbott Waives Certain Licensing Renewal Regulations, Fees For Nurses (March 25, 2020)
Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain regulations from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding licensing renewal and subsequent fees for nurses in Texas. The Governor&#8217;s waiver authorizes a six-month grace period for nurses with expired licenses. This grace period will allow nurses who are otherwise in good standing to continue practicing and will give them additional time to renew their license without added fees and penalties.&#8221;Nurses are essential to protecting the public health and safety of our communities as we combat the COVID-19 virus,” said Governor Abbott. &#8220;With these temporary waivers, nurses in Texas can continue caring for patients without worrying about potential delays or barriers imposed by the licensing renewal process. We are grateful for the nurses serving throughout our state, and Texas are committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs as we face this public health emergency.&#8221;
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-dan-crenshaw-gives-urgent-message-on-relief-package-unloads-on-democrats-for-tanking-it">WATCH: Dan Crenshaw Gives Urgent Message On Relief Package, Unloads On Democrats For Tanking It</a>
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<section class="l-content columns small-12 " aria-label="Content"> </section>
</div>

Dan Crenshaw

Texas Finds Creative Ways To Help People, Businesses Amid Crisis; Dan Crenshaw Points Out ‘Positive Moves’

Greg Abbott

Texas

On Tuesday, a special election was held in Texas for an open seat in the Texas state House. The Democratic candidate, Eliz Markowitz, was supported by <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2020/01/21/elizabeth-warren-backs-eliz-markowitz-battleground-texas-house-race/">five people</a> who have campaigned for the presidential nomination: Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bloomberg, Julian Castro, and Beto O’Rourke, as well as former Attorney General Eric Holder. But Markowitz was decimated in the election by GOP candidate Gary Gates, losing by 16 points, and on Thursday, Texas Governor Greg Abbot exuberantly told Neil Cavuto of Fox News that despite all the support from Democratic luminaries and the fact that Democrats view Texas as the “political holy grail,” Markowitz got “creamed.”
Cavuto prompted Abbott by asking, “Why do you think Democratic candidates are focusing on Texas so much? You think it’s a matter of trying to push Republicans to drain their resources in an otherwise safe state, or they’re sensing something’s going on; it’s not just Austin, the state is turning? What do you think?&#8221;
Abbott responded, “Well, listen, Democrats view Texas as the political holy grail. If they were ever able to win Texas, they know that they would be able to run the table nationally. And as a result, a lot of money is coming in. But there was a special election in a Texas House seat last night that took place where Beto O’Rourke went all-in. Eric Holder gave money; Eric Holder campaigned. We had five presidential candidates on Democratic side come in and campaign for a Texas House member, and that Texas House member won by far more than his predecessor Republican won. He won by 16 percentage point margin, creamed the Democrats, pointing out to the Democrats they’re wasting their money trying to come into the state of Texas and campaign in Texas.”
The Democrats spent more than $1 million to win the open seat, which is one of 150 seats in the Texas House, as <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/01/texas-gop-state-legislature-special-election/605719/">The Atlantic</a> noted, adding that one progressive group had hyped the election as “the most important special election since the midterms.” If The Democrats flip nine seats in the Texas House, they will control the Texas legislature.
Austin Chambers, the president of the Republican State Leadership Committee, told The Atlantic, “Democrats were convinced they could buy Texas. But tonight they learned Texans aren’t buying the nonsense the Democrats are selling. Texans sent a message loud and clear to the liberals in Washington: ‘We’re going to keep Texas Texas.’”
Jessica Post, the executive director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, tried to fob off the crushing defeat as if it had been expected, telling The Atlantic, “We always knew the race would be tough,” and adding that the huge defeat was an “anomaly.” She cited the fact that the election was held in the middle of winter as one reason for the overwhelming defeat. She pointed out that Mitt Romney had won the district by 30 points in 2012, chortling of the Markowitz effort, “I think that’s a win. I think it shows Republicans are scared as hell.” But she added, “This was a base-versus-base election, and Republicans were able to mobilize their base to turn out in huge numbers.”
&nbsp;

President Trump Holds Rally With Senator Ted Cruz

Abbott Cheers: 5 Dem Presidential Candidates Came To Texas And Got ‘Creamed’

On Thursday, the <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2020/01/23/california-moves-to-texas-up-36-in-latest-count/">Dallas Morning News</a> ran a story about the thousands of Californians who are fleeing to Texas to escape the draconian taxes and regulations burdening them.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, responding to the article, issued a welcome that he said was targeted at those Californians already on their way, but it was also a sly wink to those Californians still remaining in that Democrat-dominated state: “To the Californians moving to Texas: Remember those high taxes, burdensome regulations, &amp; socialistic agenda advanced in CA? We don&#8217;t believe in that. We believe in less government &amp; more individual freedom. If you agree with that you&#8217;ll fit right in.”
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To the Californians moving to Texas:
Remember those high taxes, burdensome regulations, &amp; socialistic agenda advanced in CA?
We don&#39;t believe in that.
We believe in less government &amp; more individual freedom.
If you agree with that you&#39;ll fit right in.<a href="https://t.co/Qv5nKaD315">https://t.co/Qv5nKaD315</a>
&mdash; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1220462311506415617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Dallas Morning News article stated that the number of California residents headed to Texas jumped more than one-third in the latest migration count, with over 86,000 Californians emigrating to the Lone Star State. Cindi Bulla, 2020 chairman of Texas Realtors, asserted, &#8220;For the sixth year in a row, more than half a million people chose Texas as their new home. And why not? In addition to its business-friendly environment with no state income tax and abundance of jobs, land and opportunity, Texas is known for its diverse, friendly spirit and culture.
The Morning News added, “Thousands of new residents are flocking to North Texas for the jobs and lower costs of living.”
California, despite its governor Gavin Newsom’s protestations of success, is a mess. Last October, the chief executive officers of Pacific Gas &amp; Electric Corp. (PG&amp;E) said the utility might impose blackouts over the next 10 years. As <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/california-power-company-says-it-may-have-to-impose-blackouts-for-the-next-10-years">The Daily Wire</a> noted, NPR <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/10/18/771486828/california-can-expect-blackouts-for-a-decade-says-pg-e-ceo">reported</a> that CEO Bill Johnson told energy regulators at California’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) the company needed more time to trim trees and update its technology to prevent future forest fires. In the meantime, Johnson said, the company would have to impose blackouts.
The month before that, The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/7-5-million-californians-may-be-using-water-with-forever-chemicals-possibly-linked-to-cancer">noted</a> the environmental problems in the state: According to a new study, 7.5 million Californians may be using water contaminated with PFAs, chemicals that never break down and have been associated with cancer. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises a cap of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) PFAS in drinking water, the survey found that over 40% of the 74 water systems that were studied had at least one sample with a level of total PFAS over 70 ppt.
In April 2019, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/california-goes-tax-wild-eyes-levies-on-everything-from-water-to-tires">Fox News</a> reported, “Overall, the California Tax Foundation has added up more than $6.2 billion worth of tax increase proposals pending in the state legislature, with that number expected to rise as bills are amended … One of the most controversial proposals to come out of Sacramento this year is a proposal from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom to tax drinking water in order to clean up contaminated water in the state’s low-income and rural areas.
The same month, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-skelton-soda-tax-20190408-story.html">The Los Angeles Times</a> reported, “Polls show that California voters already think they’re overtaxed. No surprise there. When voters were asked recently by the Public Policy Institute of California whether they paid more or less state and local taxes than they should, the answers were: more 63%, the right amount 32%, less 4%.”

USC v Texas

Texas Governor Has Message For Californians Fleeing To Texas

California

In an interview with Turning Point USA published Sunday (video below), Jack Wilson, who was awarded the Texas Governor&#8217;s Medal of Courage last week for his life-saving response to a mass shooter at his church, gave a powerful defense of Second Amendment rights, which he maintains, are essential to keeping all our other rights under the Constitution.
Jack Wilson, 71, is a volunteer member of the security team at the West Freeway Church of Christ near Fort Worth, Texas, where a mass shooter opened fire during a church service on Dec. 29, 2019. As Texas allows licensed congregants to carry in churches, Wilson, a former Texas Army National Guardsman and NRA instructor, was armed, along with other members of the security team.
The expert marksman responded with remarkable speed when the shooter opened fire. Within six seconds of the gunman&#8217;s first shot, Wilson shot him dead, undoubtedly saving many lives. For his heroic actions, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) Abbott presented Wilson last week with the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/bloomberg-misfires-on-jack-wilson-11579219312">Governor’s Medal of Courage</a>, the highest civilian honor the state of Texas awards.
After receiving the prestigious award, Wilson spoke with TPUSA about what prepared him for that harrowing moment when he confronted the shooter, including not only his years of training with firearms but his realist views on self-defense and the presence of &#8220;evil&#8221; in the world.
&#8220;There&#8217;s evil in the world,&#8221; Wilson told the conservative nonprofit. &#8220;Be prepared to protect yourself.&#8221;
&#8220;I killed evil. I took out evil,&#8221; Wilson said of the harrowing moment he took down the gunman with a single shot.
&#8220;I spent six years at Texas Army National Guard, 30 years in the defense world, D.O.D. world, had my own business for 21 years teaching people how to shoot,&#8221; said Wilson.
&#8220;It doesn&#8217;t start at the moment that you need to protect yourself,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;You have to learn, choose a firearm you&#8217;re comfortable with, become proficient with it, train with it.&#8221;
&#8220;Without the Second Amendment — my opinion, very strongly — you will lose all other rights,&#8221; Wilson stressed. &#8220;The firearm is not the evil thing. The person behind it is either good or evil. It’s not a firearm issue. It is a person issue.&#8221;
Wilson also provided some details about how he and the rest of the security team was prepared for the actions of the shooter. When he first walked into the service, Wilson said he recognized him as an &#8220;obvious&#8221; potential threat in part because he appeared to be wearing a wig and a fake beard. &#8220;We were observed the individual, we were watching the individual,&#8221; he said, noting that he walked into the audio-visual room and instructed them to train one of the cameras on the individual.
&#8220;The individual got up and that&#8217;s when he turned &#8230; and pulled the shotgun &#8230; from underneath his coat,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Richard told him, &#8216;Drop the gun! Drop the gun!&#8217; I had people in front of me that prevented me from taking a body shot, a torso shot. The only shot I had was the headshot. When I took the headshot, the subject went down. From the time the individual turned with the gun in his hand till I was over him was a total of six seconds.”
&#8220;I did not do what I did &#8230; for hero status. I don&#8217;t see myself as a hero,&#8221; Wilson emphasized. &#8220;My role is more of a protector for anyone who happens to be in the congregation&#8230;&#8221;
In the end, he said, God is the one who should get the credit for the lives saved, saying, &#8220;God gave me the training, gave me the mindset, to be able to stop the situation.&#8221;
Video below via TPUSA:
<iframe title="Church Shooting Hero: Evil Exists, Defend Yourself" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0iNJ51YfP1U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-hammers-bloomberg-for-his-comments-on-hero-with-gun-who-stopped-shooting">Trump Hammers Bloomberg For His Comments On Hero With Gun Who Stopped Shooting</a>

West Freeway Church of Christ

WATCH: Hero Who Stopped Texas Church Shooter: ‘Without The Second Amendment, You Will Lose All Other Rights’

Gun Control

Second Amendment

President Trump has been directing more criticism as of late toward former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose platform features radical gun control, which he has been promoting through his pro-gun control nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety since 2013.
After several tweets slamming &#8220;Mini Mike Bloomberg&#8221; last week, Trump hit the late addition to the Democratic presidential field on his past comments on Jack Wilson, a 71-year-old NRA instructor and volunteer security guard at a Texas church who stopped a shooter literally dead in his tracks before he could take more lives.
&#8220;It may be true that someone in the congregation had his own gun and killed the person who murdered two other people, but it’s the job of law enforcement to have guns and to decide when to shoot,&#8221; Bloomberg <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/479007-trump-slams-bloomberg-over-comments-on-man-who-shot-dead-texas-gunman">said</a> during an appearance at a church in Montgomery, Alabama, a few weeks ago. &#8220;You just do not want the average citizen carrying a gun in a crowded place.&#8221;
Trump added to his growing collection of &#8220;Mini Mike&#8221; tweets on Sunday by calling out Bloomberg over the comment.
&#8220;Now Mini Mike Bloomberg is critical of Jack Wilson, who saved perhaps hundreds of people in a Church because he was carrying a gun, and knew how to use it,&#8221; Trump tweeted. &#8220;Jack quickly killed the shooter, who was beginning a rampage. Mini is against the 2nd A. His ads are Fake, just like him!&#8221;
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Now Mini Mike Bloomberg is critical of Jack Wilson, who saved perhaps hundreds of people in a Church because he was carrying a gun, and knew how to use it. Jack quickly killed the shooter, who was beginning a rampage. Mini is against the 2nd A. His ads are Fake, just like him!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1219004689716412416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Texas&#8217; Republican Gov. Greg Abbott honored Wilson last week with the Governor’s Medal of Courage for rapidly shooting a gunman who opened fire in the church. Within six seconds of the shooter firing on congregants of the West Freeway Church of Christ, Wilson took down the gunman with a single shot. As <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/bloomberg-misfires-on-jack-wilson-11579219312">The Wall Street Journal</a> noted last week, &#8220;most of America rightly regards Mr. Wilson as a hero who used his gun to save innocent life on that December Sunday.&#8221;
Trump&#8217;s tweet comes amid massive backlash to the Democrats&#8217; gun control agenda in Virginia. Late last week, the Democrat-controlled Virginia Senate passed <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/democrat-governor-declares-state-of-emergency-over-massive-gun-control-protest-here-are-the-three-gun-control-laws-causing-all-the-controversy">three controversial gun bills</a> that have inspired tens of thousands of pro-Second Amendment rallyers to converge on Richmond, a development that has prompted Virginia&#8217;s Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam to issue a temporary state of emergency, banning all weapons at the state capitol.
Bloomberg&#8217;s <a href="https://www.mikebloomberg.com/policies/gun-safety?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxb6H9NKS5wIVRR6tBh1rEASKEAAYASAAEgLaAfD_BwE&amp;utm_expid=.Ean3QEj9S1KUM4de8VlRlg.2&amp;utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">gun control platform</a> calls for imposing an &#8220;effective background check system so that no one can purchase a gun without passing a completed background check,&#8221; closing all so-called &#8220;loopholes,&#8221; &#8220;including one that prohibits married domestic abusers from possessing guns, but not many unmarried ones,&#8221; &#8220;reinstat[ing] the federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and banning &#8220;all guns in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities – except for law enforcement.&#8221;
Trump&#8217;s Sunday tweet followed a series of posts hammering Bloomberg last week, including one accusing the former mayor of engaging in a &#8220;vanity project.&#8221;
“Mini Mike Bloomberg ads are purposely wrong — A vanity project for him to get into the game,” Trump wrote Friday. “Nobody in many years has done for the USA what I have done for the USA, including the greatest economy in history, rebuilding our military, biggest ever tax &amp; regulation cuts, &amp; 2nd A!”
The president also mocked &#8220;Mini Mike&#8221; for avoiding the debate stage thus far. “Mini Mike Bloomberg doesn’t get on the Democrat Debate Stage because he doesn’t want to,” her wrote. “He is a terrible debater and speaker. If he did, he would go down in the polls even more (if that is possible!).”
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Mini Mike Bloomberg ads are purposely wrong &#8211; A vanity project for him to get into the game. Nobody in many years has done for the USA what I have done for the USA, including the greatest economy in history, rebuilding our military, biggest ever tax &amp; regulation cuts, &amp; 2nd A!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1218174158280019968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Mini Mike Bloomberg doesn’t get on the Democrat Debate Stage because he doesn’t want to &#8211; he is a terrible debater and speaker. If he did, he would go down in the polls even more (if that is possible!).
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1218165916451602432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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President Trump

Trump Hammers Bloomberg For His Comments On Hero With Gun Who Stopped Shooting

Donald Trump

Michael Bloomberg

Texas Governor Greg Abbott awarded Jack Wilson, the hero who stopped the church shooting last month near Forth Worth, with the prestigious Governor&#8217;s Medal of Courage for his heroic actions.
On December 29, an armed man opened fire on churchgoers at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, for approximately five seconds before being neutralized by Wilson, who used a handgun he was carrying to stop the attacker.
&#8220;When faced with an evil that few of us will ever comprehend, Jack Wilson responded with strength, bravery, and with love for those in the church that day,&#8221; Abbott <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-presents-governors-medal-of-courage-to-west-freeway-church-of-christ-hero-jack-wilson">said</a> in a statement.  &#8220;The courage in his actions cannot be understated, and Jack is not only a hero to West Freeway Church of Christ — he is a hero to the entire State of Texas.&#8221;
&#8220;So many lives were saved because of Jack Wilson&#8217;s quick action, his calmness under pressure, and above all else his courage and his willingness to risk his own life to save the lives of others,&#8221; Abbott said before giving the award to Wilson. &#8220;Only God knows who is alive today because of Jack Wilson.&#8221;
WATCH:
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Today I presented the Governor’s Medal of Courage to Jack Wilson. 
He’s the hero who risked his life to save the lives of others by stopping a gunman in a deadly shooting at a church near Fort Worth. 
It’s the highest award given to civilians in Texas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#txlege</a> <a href="https://t.co/UPaWjmsjTi">pic.twitter.com/UPaWjmsjTi</a>
&mdash; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1216831092092735488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Last September, 2020 Democratic Party presidential candidate Joe Biden attacked Abbott for allowing churchgoers to carry weapons with them in places of worship so they can defend themselves from attackers.
“Dealing with firearms, it is irrational, with all due respect to the governor of Texas, irrational what they are doing,” Biden <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-attacked-texas-governor-for-signing-law-letting-churchgoers-carry-guns-totally-irrational">told</a> reporters on September 2. “On the very day you see a mass shooting … and we’re talking about loosening access to have guns, to be able to take them into places of worship, it’s just absolutely irrational. It’s totally irrational.”
The <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/01/us/texas-new-gun-laws-trnd/index.html">new</a> laws that went in place in Texas last year include:
<ul>
<li>Allow licensed gun owners to have their firearms in their cars on school property</li>
<li>Allow for school districts to have more school marshals</li>
<li>Allow for some foster homes to be able to have firearms</li>
<li>Ban homeowners or landlords of rental property from prohibiting residents from having firearms</li>
<li>Prohibit residents from being charged with a crime for carrying a handgun during a disaster</li>
<li>Allow people to carry weapons in places of worship</li>
</ul>
Other Democrats responded to Wilson&#8217;s heroic actions by attacking the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
Earlier this month, Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren responded to Wilson&#8217;s heroic actions by announcing that she would not support laws that make it easier for law-abiding citizens to carry weapons to protect themselves and others.
“Will you support a universal conceal carry law for everyone in the country who’s willing to be licensed and checked by the government?” Warren was asked at a town hall even.
“No,” Warren <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/warren-responds-to-hero-stopping-texas-church-shooting-i-will-not-support-conceal-carry">responded</a> as she repeatedly shook her head.
Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg, an anti-gun extremist, responded to Wilson&#8217;s heroic actions by essentially saying that Wilson should not have been the one who took out the shooter.
“It may be true — I wasn’t there; I don’t know the facts — that somebody in the congregation had their own gun and killed the person who murdered two other people, but it’s the job of law enforcement to have guns and to decide when to shoot,” Bloomberg <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bloomberg-on-hero-stopping-church-shooting-cant-let-the-average-american-have-guns-in-church">said</a>. “You just do not want the average citizen carrying a gun in a crowded place.”

Jack Wilson Greg Abbott

WATCH: Texas Governor Greg Abbott Awards Church Hero Jack Wilson With Prestigious Medal

mass shooting

Shooting

According to a letter sent today to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was just obtained by The Daily Wire, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced Texas&#8217;s refusal to accept any additional refugees for fiscal year (FY) 2020. The letter was prompted by <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-enhancing-state-local-involvement-refugee-resettlement/">Executive Order 13888</a>, on &#8220;Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement,&#8221; which was issued by President Donald Trump on September 26, 2019.
According to the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-enhancing-state-local-involvement-refugee-resettlement/">text</a> of the September executive order, &#8220;[t]he Federal Government consults with State and local governments &#8230; to be respectful of those communities that may not be able to accommodate refugee resettlement.&#8221; Furthermore, &#8220;if either a State or locality has not provided consent to receive refugees under the Program, then refugees should not be resettled within that State or locality,&#8221; and &#8220;the Secretary shall notify the President of such decision.&#8221;
Today, Greg Abbott, governor of the nation&#8217;s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hammer-at-texas-scorecard-texas-is-a-less-business-friendly-environment-than-you-might-think-its-time-to-fix-that">most iconic red state</a>, has made clear that Texas does not consent.
&#8220;Texas is one of the most welcoming states for refugees seeking to escape dangers abroad,&#8221; Abbott begins. &#8220;Since FY 2010, more refugees have been received in Texas than in any other state. In fact, over that decade, roughly 10% of all refugees resettled in the United States have been placed in Texas. Even today, the process of resettling continues for many of these refugees.&#8221;
&#8220;In addition to accepting refugees all these years, Texas has been left by Congress to deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration system,&#8221; the governor continues. &#8220;In May 2019, for example, around 100,000 migrants were apprehended crossing this state&#8217;s southern border. In June 2019, individuals from 52 different countries were apprehended here. And in FY 2018, the apprehensions included citizens from disparate countries like China, Iran, Kenya, Russia, and Tonga. Texas continues to have to deal with the consequences of an immigration system that Congress has failed to fix.&#8221;
&#8220;At this time, the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless — indeed, all Texans,&#8221; the Republican writes in his denouement. &#8220;As a result, Texas cannot consent to initial refugee resettlement for FY2020. This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States. Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state.&#8221;
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&#8220;Texas has carried more than its share in assisting the refugee resettlement process and appreciates that other states are available to help with these efforts,&#8221; Abbott concludes.
Abbott&#8217;s bold stand will please immigration hawks, who have long sounded the alarm on America&#8217;s shoddy, loophole-ridden refugee system and our wholly inadequate vetting capabilities for prospective refugees. As the Center for Immigration Studies&#8217; investigative journalist extraordinaire Todd Bensman <a href="https://cis.org/Bensman/Idiot-Lights-Blinking-Vetting-Failures-Still-Favor-Lying-Terrorist-Migrants">wrote</a> last April: &#8220;Few outside of intelligence and law enforcement circles — and perhaps not even those inside the circles — really know the actual extent of vetting failures that grant legal status to those hiding terrorism involvement. <a href="https://www.cato.org/publications/policy-analysis/extreme-vetting-immigrants-estimating-terrorism-vetting-failures" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">One tally</a> found an entirely unacceptable 13 cases of vetting failures involving actual terrorists caught or killed between 9/11 and April 2018. But the numbers are undoubtedly higher, accounting for cases where the liars just haven&#8217;t been made public yet or there was strong terrorism intelligence rather than some sort of conviction under terrorism statutes or attack.&#8221;
Abbott&#8217;s move also follows closely on the heels of at least 15 separate Republican governors who have all affirmatively signed onto more refugee resettlement in their states in the aftermath of Executive Order 13888. Immigration hawk Daniel Horowitz recently <a href="https://www.conservativereview.com/news/15-gop-governors-asking-refugee-resettlement-red-states/">excoriated</a> these governors at Conservative Review: &#8220;Except for New England, these are all states carried by Trump, some of them by a very wide margin. Trump won every single county in West Virginia and Oklahoma, for example. Why are conservatives with platforms not talking about this? &#8230; Who needs George Soros when you have GOP governors endorsed by Trump doing his bidding, along with the help of so-called evangelical groups?&#8221;
Governor Abbott will take no shortage of heat for this move, even within the still-reliably Republican Lone Star State. But he should rest well at night, for he has done the right thing for his state.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott

BREAKING: Texas Governor Abbott Boldly Rejects Additional Refugee Resettlement

Immigration

Mike Pompeo

Refugee

State Department

Britt Farmer, Senior Minister of West Freeway Church of Christ in Texas, praised the Texas government on Sunday for allowing lawful gun owners in the state to protect themselves at places of worship after a good guy with a gun stopped an attack at the church.
Farmer&#8217;s remarks are a strong rebuke of remarks made by Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden earlier this year when Biden attacked Texas Governor Greg Abbott for signing a bill into law that allowed lawful gun owners to carry firearms in places of worship.
“First off, I want to say that I am extremely thankful to lieutenant governor and the governor &#8212; Governor Patrick and Governor Abbott &#8212; and their rapid response to this,&#8221; Farmer said. &#8220;To the law enforcement agencies that have been here, we couldn&#8217;t have asked for more professional, seamless interviews, and work with our congregation and our people and the kindness that was shown to them by law enforcement.&#8221;
&#8220;We lost two great men today, but it could have been a lot worse, and I&#8217;m thankful that our government has allowed us the opportunity to protect ourselves,&#8221; Farmer continued. &#8220;We have a congregation here of open-hearted people, we help people, we&#8217;re here to help people and to have something like this happen destroys my heart and when I say destroys it, destroys it because there is evil in this world.&#8221;
&#8220;Today is one sermon I&#8217;ll never preach, it&#8217;ll go away, it was called leaving a legacy, and two men today left legacy, but the congregation is going to build on that legacy,&#8221; Farmer added. &#8220;Right now I&#8217;d like to say to all those that are watching: thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray for the West Freeway Church family.&#8221;
&#8220;We&#8217;d like to say we&#8217;re a place you and your family can call home, today our home was invaded by evil,&#8221; Farmer concluded. &#8220;The sad thing is it happens all the time as far as evil&#8217;s concerned, but I know two men right now that are better off than any of us are, and I hope and I pray that not only will we survive this, I know we will, but that in some way we might be a beacon to those who don&#8217;t know what to do because today we proved that not only can we be God loving, God-fearing people, but we can protect each other as well.&#8221;
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West Freeway Church of Christ Senior Minister Britt Farmer: &quot;I’m thankful our government has allowed us the opportunity to protect ourselves&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5fLSnSjQzg">pic.twitter.com/5fLSnSjQzg</a>
&mdash; Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) <a href="https://twitter.com/tomselliott/status/1211442736399818754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Farmer&#8217;s remarks cut against what Biden, who is ardently anti-Second Amendment, said in September.
“Dealing with firearms, it is irrational, with all due respect to the governor of Texas, irrational what they are doing,” Biden <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-attacked-texas-governor-for-signing-law-letting-churchgoers-carry-guns-totally-irrational">told</a> reporters on September 2. “On the very day you see a mass shooting … and we’re talking about loosening access to have guns, to be able to take them into places of worship, it’s just absolutely irrational. It’s totally irrational.”
Jeff Williams, Regional Director for the Texas Department of Public Safety, praised the hero who immediately engaged and killed the attacker.
&#8220;It cannot be overstated how important it is that everyone recognize what took place here today,&#8221; Williams said. &#8220;The citizens who were inside that church undoubtedly saved 242 other parishioners, and that might get swept aside in this whole conversation about active shooter response, and God knows law enforcement has done a whole bunch of work to make our response better, we needed to do that.&#8221;
&#8220;But we’re starting to find out that, as the Lt. Governor mentioned, over half of these are over before we get there, and I want to commend the chief and his department, their response, it is never going to get faster than that, it was miraculous,&#8221; Williams continued. &#8220;And so the true heroes in this are the people who were sitting in those pews today and responded, the immediate responders that saved their fellow citizens. I just can’t overstate how critical that is, I just want to recognize it, it’s truly heroic and this citizens of this community have a lot to be proud of for their response.”
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Texas DPS Director Joeff Williams: “The citizens who were inside that church undoubtedly saved 242 other parishioners”; “it was miraculous … true heroes” <a href="https://t.co/Mdj9N86tgj">pic.twitter.com/Mdj9N86tgj</a>
&mdash; Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) <a href="https://twitter.com/tomselliott/status/1211444880523874309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Jeff Williams

Texas Pastor Demolishes Joe Biden’s Desire To Disarm Churchgoers; Top Official: Hero Saved Hundreds

Gun Laws

Guns

Joe Biden

A report published late on Sunday night identified the man who allegedly used a firearm on Sunday to stop an armed attacker at West Freeway Church of Christ in Texas as 71-year-old Jack Wilson.
Heavy.com, which specializes in collecting hard to find information about trending news stories, first identified Wilson as the man who was allegedly responsible for <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-church-shooting-reported-in-texas-armed-churchgoers-appear-to-have-stopped-it-reporter-suggests">preventing the shooting</a> in White Settlement from being significantly worse.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted out a link to Heavy.com&#8217;s report on Wilson, which noted that Wilson &#8220;is a former reserve deputy sheriff who was the long-time owner of a firearms training academy.&#8221;
Massie, who is a staunch Second Amendment supporter, told The Daily Wire, &#8220;I shudder to think what would have transpired if that church had been a gun free zone.&#8221;
&#8220;Several in the media have tried to downplay the heroic actions of this individual, by misleading people into thinking that he was a paid guard or career law enforcement,&#8221; Massie continued. &#8220;It appears to me that he was a highly trained citizen who cared enough about his fellow churchgoers to carry a firearm and risk his life in order to protect them.&#8221;
The report highlighted a Facebook post from a page that purportedly belongs to Wilson, who is running for a campaign for county commissioner for Precinct 3, which is in Hood County.
In the post, Wilson <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=124185712393438&amp;id=108631773948832">wrote</a> the following about the incident that transpired at the church:
<blockquote>I just want to thank all who have sent their prayers and comments on the events of today. The events at West Freeway Church of Christ put me in a position that I would hope no one would have to be in, but evil exist and I had to take out an active shooter in church. I’m thankful to GOD that I have been blessed with the ability and desire to serve him in the role of head of security at the church. I am very sad in the loss of two dear friends and brothers in CHRIST, but evil does exist in this world and I and other members are not going to allow evil to succeed. Please pray for all the members and their families in this time. Thank you for your prayers and understanding.</blockquote>
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This link has more information on the hero in Texas&#8230;<a href="https://t.co/XUFfVvHaw4">https://t.co/XUFfVvHaw4</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mb8OA2SkKU">pic.twitter.com/Mb8OA2SkKU</a>
&mdash; Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie/status/1211556508795908096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The report says that Wilson, who allegedly shot the attacker <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-footage-emerges-of-good-guy-with-gun-taking-down-attacker-in-seconds">approximately 5 seconds</a> after the attacker fired his first shot, owned a shooting range in Texas called On Target Firearms Training Academy, Inc., until it burned down a couple of years ago.
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<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/OnTargetFirearms/posts/1146875188667515" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
As a result of the MAJOR FIRE at ON TARGET, on January 23,2016, which resulted in total destruction of the ranges, major&#8230;
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnTargetFirearms/">On Target Firearms Training Academy, Inc.</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnTargetFirearms/posts/1146875188667515">Sunday, May 8, 2016</a></blockquote>
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On the page, Wilson&#8217;s company appears to have taught, or at least allowed, NRA FIRST Steps courses to be taught at the facility.
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<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/OnTargetFirearms/posts/733791453309226" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
April&#039;s weekday Concealed Handgun License class is Wednesday the 30th. Starts at 1:00pm. NRA First Steps starts at 9:00am.
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnTargetFirearms/">On Target Firearms Training Academy, Inc.</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnTargetFirearms/posts/733791453309226">Tuesday, April 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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The tragic shooting comes after Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden attacked Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier this year for signing a bill into law that allowed lawful gun owners to carry firearms into their places of worship to protect themselves.
“Dealing with firearms, it is irrational, with all due respect to the governor of Texas, irrational what they are doing,” Biden <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-attacked-texas-governor-for-signing-law-letting-churchgoers-carry-guns-totally-irrational">told</a> reporters on September 2. “On the very day you see a mass shooting … and we’re talking about loosening access to have guns, to be able to take them into places of worship, it’s just absolutely irrational. It’s totally irrational.”
An NRA instructor also stopped the tragic shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in 2018 when he grabbed his rifle and ran to the church and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/man-who-shot-texas-church-murderer-nra-instructor-hank-berrien">engaged the terrorist</a>.
Biden also demonized the hero from the Sutherland Springs tragedy, telling a national audience that he should not have been allowed to have the firearm that he used to stop the terrorist.
WATCH:
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Joe Biden says that the man who stopped the Texas church shooter should not have been armed. <a href="https://t.co/pY3hBHPHuX">pic.twitter.com/pY3hBHPHuX</a>
&mdash; Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealSaavedra/status/930362687409631232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Armed worshippers quickly kill gunman after fatal shooting at Fort Worth-area church

Texas Church Hero Delivers Powerful Message; Owned Gun Range, Appears To Be NRA Supporter, Report Says

Less than a week after Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) signed a law protecting free speech on college campuses, he signed one that threatens that very protection.
As The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/48229/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bills-protecting-free-ashe-schow">previously reported</a>, Abbott has signed numerous bills and posted videos about the new laws on Twitter. But on Friday, he signed two laws that ostensibly deal with campus sexual assault that hurt not only free speech rights but also due process rights.
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) <a href="https://www.thefire.org/texas-governor-signs-unconstitutional-bills-into-law/">had written</a> to the governor twice to let him know their concerns with the bill and also sent a letter asking him to veto the bills. While Abbott vetoed many bills on Friday, he did not veto SB 212 and HB 1735. From FIRE:
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As a brief recap, both pieces of legislation &#8212; <a href="https://www.thefire.org/pair-of-texas-bills-pose-grave-threat-to-civil-liberties/">SB 212 and HB 1735</a> &#8212; use an unconstitutionally overbroad definition of sexual harassment that lacks the fundamental requirement that the conduct in question be objectively offensive to a reasonable person. SB 212 compounds the problem further by requiring all college and university employees to report any conduct they reasonably believe satisfies that definition to the institution&#8217;s Title IX apparatus. Failure to do so subjects the employee to termination and <a href="https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.12.htm">criminal misdemeanor charges</a>, which carry potential penalties of up to $2,000, 180 days in jail, or both.
HB 1735 will take effect Sept. 1. Most of SB 212&#8217;s provisions also take effect on Sept. 1, while the bill&#8217;s criminal penalties take effect Jan. 1, 2020. This means Texas&#8217;s students and faculty will be forced to navigate new, unconstitutional speech codes this academic year that will inevitably lead to an explosion of frivolous investigations into protected speech, self-censorship, and possibly even jail time for faculty members who run afoul of the new law.
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The biggest problem with these bills is that the definition allows for too much subjectivity, meaning school officials, fearing they could lose their jobs or go to jail, will likely start reporting any and all instances involving sex or sexually charged speech.
We&#8217;ve seen what happens in a case like this. Grant Neal <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/she-said-she-wasnt-raped-but-the-school-expelled-him-anyway">was a football player</a> and pre-med student at Colorado State University-Pueblo. He became close to a woman who part of the school&#8217;s Athletic Training Program. They engaged in some sexual activity, which left hickeys on the woman&#8217;s neck. One of her peers saw these marks, learned they were from Neal, and reported him for sexual assault.
Even though the woman said she was not raped or assaulted (Neal has recordings of her saying so), Neal was suspended. Neal sued and was <a href="https://thefederalist.com/2017/07/26/college-students-falsely-accused-sexual-assault-good-couple-weeks/">able to settle</a> with CSUP out of court.
FIRE, in its <a href="https://www.thefire.org/fire-letter-to-gov-greg-abbott-6-6-19/">veto request letter</a>, also noted that HB 1735 demands schools do not inform the police when they decide to investigate an allegation they deem to be severe enough that they would go against the accuser&#8217;s wishes and investigate. The bill essentially tells schools not to alert the police about potentially violent perpetrators.
The bill also requires as a default the ability for accusers to drop courses they share with the accused without academic penalty. As FIRE noted, this creates an incentive for accusers to get out of classes in which they are struggling by falsely accusing classmates. We&#8217;ve seen it before. A woman at Ohio State University brought a false sexual assault claim against a male student &#8212; months after the encounter &#8212; just days after she was told she was about to fail her first-year medical school program (for the second time). By making her dubious accusation (which text messages and multiple witnesses disputed), she was spared from expulsion.
Finally, neither of the bills signed provides meaningful due process protections for accused students.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is set to release new Title IX guidance for schools that would require them to provide basic due process protections for accused students. These new Texas bills will end up running afoul of those new rules.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bills That Hurt Free Speech And Due Process Rights

Gov. Greg Abbot (R-TX) had a stellar opening week of June. With few exceptions, the governor lived up to his state&#8217;s reputation for defending freedom.
In a series of tweets last week that ended up going viral, Abbott announced that he had signed legislation that would protect free speech rights on college campuses, ban red light cameras, and allow people to have beer delivered to their homes.
On June 1, Abbott tweeted a video of himself signing the red-light camera ban, saying, &#8220;I&#8217;m about to sign this bill that bans red light cameras in Texas,&#8221; before signing the document in front of him.
&#8220;Is now law,&#8221; he says as he shows the finished, signed bill to the camera.
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I just signed the law that bans red light cameras in Texas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#txlege</a> <a href="https://t.co/AyF28hxGwO">pic.twitter.com/AyF28hxGwO</a>
&#8212; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1134944087965077507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The National Motorists Association <a href="https://www.motorists.org/issues/red-light-cameras/increase-accidents/">collected a list of reports and studies</a> that show red-light cameras actually increase accidents. The cameras have also been argued as unconstitutional, since citizens are essentially accused of crimes without being able to confront their accuser (the camera, which may be faulty or calibrated improperly).
Two days later, Abbott posted another tweet, this time of him signing a law that would allow Texas citizens to &#8220;order beer and wine from retailers to be delivered to your home.&#8221; 
&#8220;Enjoy responsibly,&#8221; he added.
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I just signed a law allowing you to order beer and wine from retailers to be delivered to your home.
Enjoy responsibly. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#txlege</a> <a href="https://t.co/4T6C6B7O77">pic.twitter.com/4T6C6B7O77</a>
&#8212; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1135696192938139649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On June 9, Abbott posted another video of himself signing a law &#8212; this time in an effort to protect the First Amendment on college campuses.
&#8220;Some colleges are banning free speech on college campuses,&#8221; Abbott said in the video. &#8220;Well, no more because I&#8217;m about to sign a law that protects free speech on college campuses in Texas.&#8221;
&#8220;Shouldn&#8217;t have to do it,&#8221; he added after signing the bill. &#8220;The First Amendment guarantees it. Now, it&#8217;s law in Texas.&#8221;
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I just signed a law protecting free speech on college campuses. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#txlege</a> <a href="https://t.co/jHIh8431SH">pic.twitter.com/jHIh8431SH</a>
&#8212; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1137875109362974724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
In addition to these bills, Abbott also signed laws directed at reducing the rape kit backlog in the state and expanding access to mental health resources. Not everything he signed last week was seen as an expansion of freedom, however.
On Friday, Abbott signed a bill that increases the purchase age of tobacco products &#8212; including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes &#8212; from 18 to 21. Those in the military are exempted from the law. As CBS Austin <a href="https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/gov-abbott-signs-bill-raising-smoking-age-in-texas-to-21">reported</a>, supporters of the bill said it would &#8220;save lives because 95 percent of smokers start before age 21, and three fourths of adult smokers try their first cigarette before their 18th birthday.&#8221;
So now those statistics will just shift until 21. Supporters also failed to note that one does not have to personally purchase cigarettes in order to get their hands on one before they are legally able to purchase.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bills Protecting Free Speech, Allowing Beer Delivery, And Banning Red Light Cameras

Alcohol

Free Speech

In 2017, Texas passed into law a statute that forbids government agencies in Texas from doing business with contractors who boycott Israel. The bill <a href="https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Texas-House-of-Representatives-unanimously-passes-anti-BDS-bill-488544">passed</a> the Texas House of Representatives by a 131-0 margin. At the time, Joel Schwitzer, the regional director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Dallas, told <a href="https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Texas-House-of-Representatives-unanimously-passes-anti-BDS-bill-488544">The Jerusalem Post</a>: &#8220;We appreciate the leadership of Representative Phil King in authoring the bill. It is gratifying to see our elected officials sending such a clear and principled message that Texas will not do business with those who boycott our friend Israel.&#8221;
Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott was positively <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/anti-israel-policies-are-anti-texas-policies">emphatic</a>, upon signing the bill into law, referring to anti-Israel policies as necessarily also being &#8220;anti-Texas policies&#8221;:
<blockquote>
&#8220;I am proud to have commemorated Israel&#8217;s Independence Day by signing into law Anti-BDS legislation in Texas,&#8221; said Governor Abbott. &#8220;As Israel&#8217;s number one trading partner in the United States, Texas is proud to reaffirm its support for the people of Israel and we will continue to build on our historic partnership. Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies, and we will not tolerate such actions against an important ally.&#8221;
</blockquote>
The law, according to the governor&#8217;s <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/anti-israel-policies-are-anti-texas-policies">press release</a>, &#8220;prohibits the state of Texas from conducting business with companies involved in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel.&#8221;
This past December, after groups such as the ACLU filed First Amendment claims against Texas&#8217; law, Texas Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) announced a plan to tweak the measure to better assure its constitutionality. USA Today <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/12/20/anti-boycott-israel-texas-lawmaker-tweak-law-has-sparked-suits/2374613002/">reported</a>:
<blockquote>
The Texas lawmaker who wrote an anti-boycott of Israel law that has led to the canceling of contracts for a debate judge, a translator, a speech therapist and a public radio station reporter said Thursday that he will introduce legislation next month to clarify individuals were never the intended targets.
The comments by Texas Rep. Phil King follows the filing of a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas over the 2017 law that requires contractors doing business with the state to certify they are not engaged in boycotts of Israel.
</blockquote>
Earlier this month, the Texas legislature <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/fl-jj-texas-approves-measure-tweak-law-bars-government-contract-businesses-bds-20190424-story.html">ratified</a> King&#8217;s legislative amendments. According to the <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/fl-jj-texas-approves-measure-tweak-law-bars-government-contract-businesses-bds-20190424-story.html">South Florida Sun-Sentinel</a>, King stated from the Texas House floor: &#8220;Two years ago, the Legislature put this policy in place that said we didn&#8217;t want taxpayer dollars being spent to promote a boycott against Israel. The intent of this legislation is to narrow the (law) &#8230; which had some unintended consequences.&#8221; The Sun-Sentinel confirms that King&#8217;s amended law would make categorical exceptions for &#8220;individuals and smaller companies, such as those with fewer than 10 full-time employees or valued under $100,000.&#8221;
Alas, there was still a major setback yesterday for anti-BDS activists. Judge Robert Pitman of the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Texas, an Obama judicial nominee, enjoined enforcement of the initial 2017 statute on First Amendment grounds. The Texas Tribune reports:
<blockquote>
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the enforcement of a state law that prohibits government agencies in Texas from doing business with contractors who are boycotting Israel.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman issued an injunction Thursday against the law, saying it threatens to suppress unpopular ideas and manipulates &#8220;the public debate through coercion rather than persuasion.&#8221;
&#8220;This the First Amendment does not allow,&#8221; he wrote.
</blockquote>
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has already announced that he will appeal the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Federal Judge Halts A High-Profile Anti-BDS Law In Texas

Israel

Judge

Judiciary

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has promised a teen he will grant his dying wish: &#8220;Outlaw abortion altogether in the state of Texas.&#8221;
Teen cancer patient Jeremiah Thomas had one wish before he died and thanks to the &#8220;Make a Wish&#8221; foundation, he offered that wish to the pro-life governor of Texas. His request: treat abortion &#8220;like an act of murder.&#8221;
&#8220;For my wish, I wanted to talk to you and discuss a bill of abolition [to end abortion],&#8221; said Jeremiah as he cited a poll showing 68% of Texans want the barbaric practice abolished.
&#8220;Sir, you would be representing the demands of Texans if you would pass this bill,&#8221; Jeremiah continued. &#8220;We could end abortion here and now.&#8221;
Abbott received Jeremiah&#8217;s wish and promised him via video that he will grant him such an incredibly unselfish wish.
&#8220;Your wish is on the Republican party platform position,&#8221; Governor Abbott said, &#8220;and we&#8217;re going to be pursuing this&#8230;And that is to outlaw abortion altogether in the state of Texas.&#8221;
&#8220;So, your wish is granted,&#8221; he added.
According to <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-governor-promises-to-honor-pro-life-teens-dying-wish-and-outlaw-abort">LifeSiteNews</a>, the 16-year-old Jeremiah Thomas was an &#8220;all-star, state champion athlete when he was diagnosed with cancer in March 2018.&#8221; He has much experience with the pro-life movement considering that his father, Rusty, serves as the director for Operation Save America (formerly known as Operation Rescue).
&#8220;Jeremiah was diagnosed with osteoblastic osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that is resistant to radiation therapy,&#8221; reports LifeSite. &#8220;The boy had two tumors on his spine and one on his chest. The cancer progressed, defeating treatment. Jeremiah has now become paralyzed from the waist down and is in constant pain.&#8221;
May God grant Jeremiah his wish.
<div>
<div class="embed"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="476" width="846"></iframe></div>

</div>

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Promises Dying Teen To Outlaw Abortion

Abortion

On Friday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at a press conference that the alleged 17-year-old shooter who killed several of his classmates at Santa Fe High School was illegally in possession of his weapons.
According to Abbott, the shooter was in illegal possession of a .38 revolver and a shotgun that he obtained from his father.
&#8220;Neither of these weapons were owned or legally possessed by the shooter,&#8221; Abbott said. &#8220;It is my information that both of these weapons were obtained by the shooter from his father.&#8221;
&#8220;It is my information at this time that the father legally owned these weapons,&#8221; Abbott continued. &#8220;I have no information at this time whether or not the father was aware that his son had taken these weapons from the father.&#8221;
WATCH:
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/GovAbbott?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovAbbott</a>: &#8220;Both of these weapons were obtained by the shooter from his father.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/XqYyPXzmPq">pic.twitter.com/XqYyPXzmPq</a>
&#8212; Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/997564044101013505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>

WATCH: Texas Governor Says School Shooter Illegally Possessed Weapons

In October 2016, a Texas woman sent packages laden with explosives to Governor Greg Abbott, President Barack Obama, and Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Carolyn Colvin. The only reason Abbott was not either severely burned or killed was that he did not open the package as designed.
According to <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/365235939/United-States-of-America-vs-Julia-Poff-Court-Document#from_embed">court documents</a>, Julia Poff, 46, was reportedly angry at Abbott because she had not received support from her ex-husband. The package to Obama was detected in screening and rendered safe. The package to Colvin was reportedly motivated by the fact that Poff had applied for Social Security benefits and been denied.
Poff tried to learn the identity of witnesses talking to the FBI and the grand jury, asking her friends not to talk to the FBI. She had been fired from her job at a law firm because she had stolen money from a client.
The court documents stated Poff had been evicted seven times for non-payment of rent, leaving the premises in disrepair with actions including pouring concrete in drains, stuffing potatoes in toilets, and dogs locked in for a week left to defecate and urinate.
The court said that because the evidence against Poff was so strong, it enhanced the risk of Poff fleeing; it also said she represented a safety risk to the community.
Poff <a href="http://www.khou.com/mobile/article/news/crime/woman-accused-of-mailing-explosives-to-gov-abbott-pres-obama/494079350">was charged</a> last week with Injurious Articles as Nonmailable and Transportation of Explosives with the Intent to Kill and Injure.

Texas Governor Abbott Received Explosive Package. He Escaped Death Because He Opened It The Wrong Way.

On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence and Texas Governor Greg Abbott met with survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Rockport, Texas. Standing in front of what remained of the devastated First Baptist Church, both men gave words of encouragement to the 250 or so volunteers there to help the long process of rebuilding.
During the event, a reporter caught on video a moment which powerfully captured the faith and resolve of the Rockport residents:
&#8203;
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rockport?src=hash">#Rockport</a> residents sing Amazing Grace in front of destroyed First Baptist Church <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PenceInTX?src=hash">#PenceInTX</a> <a href="https://t.co/sNLpkgtSpR">pic.twitter.com/sNLpkgtSpR</a>
&#8212; Julie Garcia (@Caller_Jules) <a href="https://twitter.com/Caller_Jules/status/903297382829494272">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
</div>
Here&#8217;s a shot of the destroyed church:
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pence has arrived at First Baptist Church of Rockport, where choir chapel destroyed.
Crowd much bigger than expected for prayer service. <a href="https://t.co/H4OGdvwB5j">pic.twitter.com/H4OGdvwB5j</a>
&#8212; Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/903305814370385922">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
</div>
In his remarks to the people of Rockport, Pence promised that the Trump administration is &#8220;going to stay with you every step until we bring Southeast Texas back bigger and better than ever before.&#8221;
But Pence did not just show up, shake hands and give a speech &#8212; he got to work.
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sweat dripped off Pence&#8217;s face as he helped Texas&#8217;s Greg Abbott haul tree debris, both in blue work gloves. No coastal breeze, roasting hot. <a href="https://t.co/OjhpoGza8b">pic.twitter.com/OjhpoGza8b</a>
&#8212; Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/903328543551221762">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
</div>
Gov. Abbott likewise vowed to help Rockport rebuild and reminded residents that &#8220;the greatest power that exists is the power of God.&#8221;
&#8220;There is no storm that is as tough as the people of Texas. We will rise again and we will rebuild this town,&#8221; said Abbott, according to <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2017/08/31/vice-president-pence-headed-texas-thursday">The Dallas Morning News</a>. &#8220;It&#8217;s important that we remember that the greatest power that exists is the power of God. &#8230; It was the power of God that was able to pull people out of the water and literally to save them.&#8221;
Abbott also announced and signed at the event a state-wide &#8220;day of prayer&#8221; on Sunday, September 3. Here&#8217;s the full text of the <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-a-proclamation-for-day-of-prayer-in-texas-after-hurr">proclamation</a>:
<blockquote>
WHEREAS, Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast on Friday, August 25, 2017, causing massive destruction along the Coastal Bend before moving up the Texas coast into Central and Southeast Texas resulting in unprecedented flooding and tragic loss of life; and
WHEREAS, Texans have remained strong throughout this ordeal, with neighbor helping neighbor by wading into the flood waters or sorting through wind damage to rescue fellow Texans; and
WHEREAS, the people of Texas are grateful for the outpouring of support and resources from around the country and around the world that have been sent to Texas to assist with the damage as we begin the process of healing and rebuilding; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer; and
WHEREAS, it is right and fitting that the people of Texas should join with their fellow residents and with others from across the country and around the world to seek God&#8217;s wisdom for ourselves and our leaders and ask for His merciful intervention and healing in this time of crisis;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of Texas, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 3, 2017, as a Day of Prayer in Texas. I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers on that day for the safety of our first responders, public safety officers, and military personnel, healing of individuals, rebuilding of communities and the restoration of the entire region struck by this disaster.
</blockquote>

WATCH: Texans Sing ‘Amazing Grace’ In Front Of Destroyed Baptist Church

Christianity

Hurricane Harvey

Mike Pence

Religion

Even in a red state like Texas, a transgender bathroom law, known as Senate Bill 6, has caused a tremendous amount of controversy in the capital city of Austin. The state senate, led by Lt. Dan Patrick, is working to vote on the bill during the last week of July as the 30-day special session moves closer to ending.
The issue has sparked emotional debate on both sides of the aisle. The Texas senate Democrats voted almost entirely against the bill, with only one voting in favor.
However, things seemed to have stalled in the state house, where establishment Republican speaker Dan Patrick is refusing to move the bill through committee according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/08/us/time-is-running-out-on-texas-bathroom-bill.html">The New York Times</a>.
The bill has become a somewhat sensitive topic in the Lone Star State. If passed, it would override city and county authority over the issue and require transgender individuals at public schools, government buildings, and public universities to use the restrooms of their biological sex after growing parental concerns about the nature of allowing anyone into a bathroom. 
With growing pressure from left-wing advocacy group and progressive businesses, even the Republican-controlled state legislature seems to be caving. 
The state house is considering a less-restrictive bill proposed by Representative Jonathan Stickland, a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, but he doubts it will even get to a debate. 
Rep. Strickland placed the blame on the bill&#8217;s demise on the House speaker saying, &#8220;I think the Straus team has already decided that they are not going to let it out. He added, &#8220;This is clearly part of a national agenda that is being pushed by the progressive left, and I think that that is just all coming to a head here.&#8221;
For months, Straus refused to meet with Patrick over moving the bill forward, according to the <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2017/08/07/straus-and-patrick-meet-special-session-dwindles/">Texas Tribune</a>. 
In July, the Lt. Governor expressed his frustration over the cold shoulder. He said during a press conference, &#8220;I&#8217;ve never had a one-on-one meeting with the speaker the entire session or since the session.&#8221; Patrick continued, &#8220;If he&#8217;s serious, because I&#8217;m serious and the governor&#8217;s serious, then you have to sit down and discuss it and work it out.&#8221;
That same day, Patrick announced his continued support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch supporter of Senate Bill 6. 
Straus finally agreed to a one-on-one meeting with Patrick on Monday. Afterwards, neither verified if the bathroom bill or the house version would move forward, though the Lt. Governor assured constituents that he and the speaker were still communicating in an emailed statement. &#8220;The Speaker and I had a substantive meeting today where we discussed a lot of issues,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We are still talking.&#8221;
While opponents claim that the bill unjustly discriminates against transgendered people, supporters say it will provide an extra layer of protection for children and women from anyone who wants to do them harm by taking advantage of &#8220;pro-transgender&#8221; policies.

TEXAS Having A Tough Time Passing Bathroom Bill To Protect Biological Women

Democratic Party

House Republicans

Republican Party

Transgender

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are dead serious about restoring the right of religious leaders to express their political preferences without fearing the loss of their tax-exempt status.
That right has been denied to religious leaders since 1954, when the Johnson Amendment was passed, barring religious organizations from contributing to or endorsing political campaigns. 
Abbott and Paxton <a href="http://www.dallasobserver.com/news/texas-governor-greg-abbott-and-attorney-general-ken-paxton-dont-like-the-separation-of-church-and-state-9341852">wrote</a> Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan, asserting: 
<blockquote>
Since the Johnson Amendment, however, churches have been kept on the sidelines of political debate. The Free Speech Fairness Act will ensure that churches may once again freely participate in government. Religious liberty is a cornerstone of our republic. From the birth of the nation until passage of the Johnson Amendment, churches and pastors played a vital role in bringing a faith perspective to the pressing political issues of the day.
</blockquote>
The two men said Lyndon B. Johnson, who wrote the amendment, did so to protect his seat in the United States Senate.
Pastor Robert Jeffress has argued that the Johnson Amendment should be repealed because because liberals could use it to silence conservative pastors. He said, &#8220;I want to say this very clearly, I am for repealing the Johnson Amendment not because I want to go around endorsing political candidates, I have no interest in doing that from my church. The Johnson Amendment and the IRS code has been abused by liberals, used by liberals to intimidate pastors.&#8221;
Abbott and Paxton&#8217;s letter was sent one day after a group of 99 religious organizations sent a letter arguing the reverse, stating:
<blockquote>
Houses of worship are spaces for members of religious communities to come together, not be divided along political lines; faith ought to be a source of connection and community, not division and discord. Indeed, the vast majority of Americans do not want houses of worship to issue political endorsements. Particularly in today&#8217;s political climate, such endorsements would be highly divisive and would have a detrimental impact on civil discourse.
</blockquote>
In February, President Trump <a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/02/03/513187940/the-johnson-amendment-in-five-questions-and-answers">ripped the Johnson Amendment</a> at the National Prayer Breakfast, saying he would &#8220;get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution.&#8221;

Texas Governor Abbott: Restore Religious Leaders’ Right To Endorse Political Campaigns

Johnson Amendment

LGBT activists decided to stage an unusual protest in front of the Texas governor&#8217;s mansion where Governor Greg Abbott resides in order to show him how upset they are about the Texas bathroom bill. That bill, <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/02/02/dan-patricks-bathroom-bill-trouble-none-teeth?_ga=1.42037089.592981662.1470763671">Senate Bill 6</a>, would permit private businesses to enforce their own bathroom policies but require public schools, state and local government buildings to have people use the facility that corresponds to their biological sex. 
The protest, called the &#8220;Queer Dance Freakout,&#8221; looked like this:
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
AUSTIN &#8212; About 75 people are participating in a &#8220;queer dance freakout&#8221; in front of the governor&#8217;s mansion to protest bathroom bill. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash">#txlege</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qwkz3dZCNy">pic.twitter.com/Qwkz3dZCNy</a>
&#8212; Brian M. Rosenthal (@brianmrosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmrosenthal/status/834920392653438976">February 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The crowd at the &#8220;queer dance freakout&#8221; in front of the Texas governor&#8217;s mansion is growing&#8230; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash">#txlege</a> <a href="https://t.co/phFoff51Q1">pic.twitter.com/phFoff51Q1</a>
&#8212; Brian M. Rosenthal (@brianmrosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmrosenthal/status/834924205502255104">February 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
</div>
It might have behooved the protesters to know this:
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The resident of the mansion, Texas Gov. <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX">@GregAbbott_TX</a>, is not there. He&#8217;s at the Republican Governor&#8217;s Association meeting in DC. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash">#txlege</a>
&#8212; Brian M. Rosenthal (@brianmrosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmrosenthal/status/834926232244482048">February 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
</div>
The event&#8217;s Facebook page read:
<blockquote>
Everything is freakier in Tex@$$. Come move your body outside the governor&#8217;s mansion to show we are not going to take the transphobic and homophobic laws Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick and their adminstration have got in the pipeline.
We say NO to anti-transgender bathroom bills. We say NO to marriage equality limitations. We say NO to old men saying what we can and cannot do.
We say YES to shaking our asses. We say YES to the freedoms of the body. We say YES to sweating in the streets while we ride the beat.
We celebrate a queer identity that is INTERSECTIONAL AND TRANS INCLUSIVE
</blockquote>
Move over, Fred Astaire.

Transgender Advocates Protest In Texas With ‘Queer Dance Freakout’

Over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott <a href="http://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2017/02/13/gov-abbott-mocks-nfl-for-opposing-anti-trans-bill">fired back</a> at the NFL after NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated on Friday that the NFL would not hold Super Bowls in Texas if Abbott signed a transgender bill into law.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nfl-warns-texas-over-bathroom-bill-no-super-bowl-for-you/">told the Associated Press</a> that <a href="http://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2017/01/05/lt-gov-patrick-unleashes-anti-transgender-bill">Texas&#8217; proposed Senate Bill 6</a> would &#8220;certainly be a factor considered when thinking about awarding future events.&#8221; SB 6 states, &#8220;A school district or open-enrollment charter school shall adopt a policy requiring each multiple-occupancy bathroom or changing facility accessible to students that is located in a school or school facility to be designated for and used only by persons based on the person&#8217;s biological sex.&#8221;
On Saturday, Abbott blasted the NFL on Twitter:
<div class="embed tweet">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
NFL decision makers also benched Tom Brady last season. It ended with NFL handing the Super Bowl trophy to Brady. <a href="https://t.co/Qg06jT9RDp">https://t.co/Qg06jT9RDp</a>
&#8212; Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/830512709410123776">February 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
</div>
The NFL is imitating the NCAA, which told the state of North Carolina in 2016 it would not hold championship events in the state after North Carolina passed a similar transgender bill.
CBS News <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nfl-warns-texas-over-bathroom-bill-no-super-bowl-for-you/">reported</a>, &#8220;Unlike the North Carolina law, the Texas proposal stops short of some provisions the NCAA singled out when defending its decision to relocate events last fall. That includes language that invalidates local equal-rights ordinances, although there is separate legislation in Texas that could have similar effects.&#8221;
Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has been leading the charge to get SB 6 passed; his spokesman Alejandro Garcia told AP, &#8220;Despite persistent misinformation in the media, under Senate Bill 6, all Texas teams will be able to set their own policies at the stadiums and arenas where they play and hold their events. There is no conflict with the NFL&#8217;s statement today and Senate Bill 6.&#8221;

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