British PM caught on camera making very non-politically correct joke about trans ideology: 'We need to focus on biology'



British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under fire after a video surfaced showing him mocking a liberal politician who believes in trans ideology.

Video from a meeting of conservative politicians on June 5, which was leaked to PinkNews, showed Sunak making fun of Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, a minority party in the British government. Davey is a supporter of trans ideology, and he believes that trans women (i.e., biological men) should be afforded the same rights as biological women.

"You may have noticed Ed Davey has been very busy. Like me, you can probably see that he was busy trying to convince everybody that women clearly had penises," Sunak said.

"You'll all know that I’m a big fan of everybody studying maths to 18, but it turns out that we need to focus on biology to 18," he joked.

Davey's views on trans ideology, Sunak also said, demonstrate his "spectacular misjudgement" and "why he's completely unfit to lead our country."

\u201cWho knew Rishi Sunak was secretly based?\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1687187607

Sunak was referring to his plan to mandate math studies for British students until they reach age 18. The plan seeks to combat a below-average numeracy among British adults.

By applying his plan to biology, Sunak suggested that more education could undermine trans ideology that masquerades as if human biology does not establish clearly designed biological sex in the absence of rare genetic disorders.

Downing Street responded to the video Monday by defending Sunak. A spokesperson for the premier said he was targeting Davey specifically, not trans people generally.

"You've heard the prime minister talk about his enormous compassionate understanding for people questioning their identity and that they should be treated with dignity and respect," the spokesperson said, the Guardian reported. "On this specific issue, these are points he's made in interviews, publicly ... My understanding is that this was a joke aimed at a political opponent rather than a specific group."

Personally, Sunak believes that trans people should be "respected," but believes biology is "important" and "fundamental" when considering the impact of trans ideology on public policy.

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Russia issues Lindsey Graham arrest warrant for Ukraine comments — senator says he'll wear it as 'Badge of Honor'



Russia's Interior Ministry issued an arrest warrant Monday for Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham over comments he made during a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

What are the details?

After Graham met Friday with Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president's office released a shortened, edited video of the conversation during which the South Carolina lawmaker applauded the country for fighting for freedom.

In the video, Graham states that "the Russians are dying" and describes the United States military assistance to Ukraine as "the best money we've ever spent."

While Graham appeared to state his comments during different parts of the conversation, the video released by Zelenskyy's office edited Graham's remarks so they appear one right after the other.

\u201c\u201c\u2026and the Russians are dying. That\u2019s the best money we\u2019ve ever spent.\u201d \u2014 Lindsey Graham.\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1685236926

A longer video of the same discussion between Graham and Zelenskyy, posted by Fox News Digital, appears to verify that the senator made the remarks at different points in the conversation.

The short, edited video sparked outrage in Russia, with President Vladimir Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, saying, "It's hard to imagine a greater shame for the country than having such senators."

In response to the video, Russia's Investigative Committee moved to open a criminal probe against Graham. The Interior Ministry subsequently issued a warrant for the senator's arrest.

Last year, Moscow banned more than 200 U.S. congressional members from visiting Russia, including Graham.

On Monday, the senator responded to the news of the arrest warrant on Twitter.

"I will wear the arrest warrant issued by Putin's corrupt and immoral government as a Badge of Honor," Graham wrote.

"To know that my commitment to Ukraine has drawn the ire of Putin's regime brings me immense joy," the senator added. "I will continue to stand with and for Ukraine's freedom until every Russian soldier is expelled from Ukrainian territory."

Graham continued, "Finally, here's an offer to my Russian 'friends' who want to arrest and try me for calling out the Putin regime as being war criminals. I will submit to jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court if you do. Come and make your best case."

"See you in The Hague!" Graham concluded, referring to the city in the Netherlands where international criminal trials are held.

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Video shows Jordan Neely protesters in New York City clash with police, block subway tracks, threaten to 'tear the city down'



A mob upset over Jordan Neely's chokehold death launched a protest in New York City that turned aggressive. The protesters clashed with police and purposely blocked the subway tracks to disrupt public transportation on Saturday.

Video shows a group of protesters standing on the subway tracks to disrupt public transportation. The agitators blocked the subway track serving the F and Q trains, which caused the trains to be temporarily shut down. Video shows the moment an incoming train heads towards the protesters, but is forced to stop before getting to the subway platform.

(WARNING: Explicit language)

\u201cBreaking: Protesters are now disrupting the subway in NYC for Jordan Neely\u201d
— Rebecca Brannon (@Rebecca Brannon) 1683411315

Jordan Neely protesters clashed with NYPD officers on the subway platform. Demonstrators became violent and got into physical confrontations with police officers. Some agitators refused to stop blocking the doors of a subway car from closing. The angry mob intimidated subway passengers from exiting the train.

\u201cWoman in green and NYPD cop get into fight. Multiple arrests being made and protesters pinned to ground. \n\n#JordanNeely\u201d
— Rebecca Brannon (@Rebecca Brannon) 1683412740
\u201cNYC subway riders are getting frustrated with protesters interrupting and disrupting their rides \n\n#JordanNeely\u201d
— Rebecca Brannon (@Rebecca Brannon) 1683412468

Numerous agitators were arrested by police.

\u201cNPYD Police wrestle with another protester who resists arrest and is taken down on the ground and cuffed.\u201d
— Rebecca Brannon (@Rebecca Brannon) 1683416810
\u201cTwo majors arrests were just made as protesters continue to clash with NYPD.\n\nOne protester claims he can\u2019t breathe.\n\nThe other is carried away in cuffs.\n\n#JordanNeely\u201d
— Rebecca Brannon (@Rebecca Brannon) 1683416315

Independent photojournalist Rebecca Brannon took video of an injured NYPD officer hobbling to a police vehicle while protesters shouted, "I hope you die!"

\u201cA NYPD officer has been injured after being pushed in a clash w/ protesters - I\u2019m told he may have a broken leg. \n\nI\u2019m not sure if it can be heard in the audio but protesters shout \u201cI hope you die!\u201d\u201d
— Rebecca Brannon (@Rebecca Brannon) 1683417295

Brannon also alleged, "There were also reports some ran down the tunnels, disrupting the subways for hours and thousands in transit. I’m told the subways are still disrupted and backed up all over."

Protesters threatened to "tear the city down" if there was no justice for Neely.

\u201cNew York City protesters angry over the death of Jordan Neely are threatening to "tear the city down" unless something is done about the marine who killed him.\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1683419112

The protests were spawned by the death of career criminal Jordan Neely by a U.S. Marine who put him in a chokehold after becoming aggressive on the subway.

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Crazed leftists desecrate Bible, form conga line, sing Miley Cyrus song to disrupt free speech event



Crazed radicals employed a variety of different tactics in a failed attempt to cancel a free speech event in New York state earlier this week.

On Tuesday night, Turning Point USA speaker Ian Haworth was scheduled to give a presentation at the State University of New York at Albany about the importance of free speech on college campuses. As often happens at such scheduled events, a mob of maniacal leftists stormed the building and attempted to hijack the presentation before it could even begin.

In Haworth's words, the leftists attempted to use "the heckler's veto," clapping and chanting a variety of hackneyed slogans, many of which involved superfluous swear words:

  • "F*** you, fascists!"
  • "No cops, no KKK, no TPUSA!"
  • "This is what free speech looks like!"
  • "Trans rights are human rights!"
  • "F*** Ian!"
  • "Ian's worthless!"
In addition to the chants, the radicals surrounded the attendees, waving signs and occasionally giving them the middle finger. At some point, the vulgar chants, gestures, and signs turned into a full-body experience when at least one person broke out into interpretive dance, several starting skipping in unison in front of the camera, and others formed a conga line:
\u201cAnd then there\u2019s...whatever this is.\n\n@TPUSA\u201d
— Ian Haworth (@Ian Haworth) 1680714916
\u201cAnd this.\n\n@TPUSA\u201d
— Ian Haworth (@Ian Haworth) 1680714917


\u201cThings started to get REAL weird when a conga line formed.\n\nNot one person seemed concerned that this is a traditional Cuban carnival dance, and is therefore an act of cultural appropriation.\n\n@TPUSA\u201d
— Ian Haworth (@Ian Haworth) 1680714916

Some grabbed a slice of the free pizza offered by Turning Point, and a chorus of amateur singers even burst into an impromptu rendition of Miley Cyrus' mega-hit "Party in the U.S.A."

"Nothing like Miley bringing us home," Haworth quipped on Twitter.

\u201cAnd nothing like Miley bringing us home.\n\n@TPUSA\u201d
— Ian Haworth (@Ian Haworth) 1680714918

Despite the mob's attempts to cancel the presentation, security managed to steer Haworth, the College Republicans hosting the event, and the attendees into a nearby room, where Haworth gave his speech without further disruption, though the agitators were allowed to continue shouting nearby.

"Our constitutional obligation to protect speech, even when that speech fundamentally conflicts with our core values, is a pillar of our democratic system," said SUNY Albany in a statement about the incident. "We are equally committed to fostering an environment in which all students feel safe and included — and that the right to protest is also protected."

The statement elsewhere implied that Haworth's views could be considered "offensive or objectionable" but insisted that the school would honor its "commitment to freedom of expression."

Haworth was more forceful in his condemnation of the leftists' behavior. "College is now where free speech goes to die, and we need to push back against this bulls*** with everything we have," he said. "Don’t let the angry minority bully people into silence."

Though no one was hurt during the mayhem, the mob appeared to have desecrated at least one Bible:

\u201cSomeone also destroyed a Bible for no reason whatsoever.\n\n@TPUSA\u201d
— Ian Haworth (@Ian Haworth) 1680714916

Of all the mob participants, only two were arrested and ticketed after they "repeatedly tried to gain access to an area that was closed for the event," the school said.

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'Sad old drunk,' 'war criminal': Pelosi gets roasted by hecklers at event



Democrat California Representative and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was slammed as a "war criminal" and a "sad old drunk" by hecklers on Monday evening.

Earlier this week, Pelosi spoke at a conference with left-wing economist and columnist Paul Krugman. The event, which was open to the public, was held at the Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Pelosi discussed several topics, including her role as the first female speaker of the House, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported.

The conference was interrupted a number of times by hecklers in the crowd who accused Pelosi of being a lying warmonger and hiding information about the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline.

\u201c"I came to see a warmonger, but you're a sad old drunk.\u201d Facts.\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1680717013

The first heckler stood up and stated, "You know, Pelosi, that's a very good place for you, in the depths of hell."

"Because, for some reason, you have a very bad obsession of getting us into war," the heckler continued as some in the audience booed. "Hey, why is it that you did not admit that there were no WMDs in Iraq? You lied us into a war in Iraq. You got us to invade Afghanistan. Now, over 90% of those people are impoverished and are dying."

As security escorted the heckler out of the event, she continued questioning Pelosi, "Why don't you tell the truth about Nord Stream? Why did we destroy Nord Stream? You're leaving millions of Germans without energy. … People like you should be arrested. You are a war criminal!"

After the female heckler was removed from the conference, a male heckler stood up to confront Pelosi.

"Hey, Congresswoman, I came to see a warmonger, but you're a sad old drunk," he shouted. "What happened? When you went to Taiwan, were you looking for Ukraine? Did we blow up the Nord Stream on accident or on purpose?"

"You're a war criminal by definition, Ms. Pelosi," he added.

Security then began removing the second heckler from the room, but not before he added, "You goddamn war criminal. How many people have died in your f***ing name? How many people have died because of Iraq? All of you forgot about Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria?"

A third heckler interrupted the conference, saying, "Dodd-Frank was always never gonna work. If we don't deal with the 600 trillion in derivatives, then there's no chance for this economy. Don't you see it all failed? None of it worked."

The heckler was swiftly removed from the event, and a fourth heckler stood up to confront Pelosi, stating, "And then you land your plane in Taiwan. We want a war with China at the same time? We want to all have nuclear bombs dropped on our heads?"

He added, "I'm here on behalf of everybody who loves peace and not war with Russia and war with China and a new hot war with the East."

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'Once-in-a-generation' winter storm threatens to cripple Christmas travel across US, bomb cyclone to unleash life-threatening cold and blizzards



A "once-in-a-generation" winter storm threatens to cripple Christmas travel. A bomb cyclone could unleash bitter cold and blizzard-like conditions, which would ravage parts of the country heading into the holiday weekend.

Holiday travel is already majorly impacted

Commercial airline companies canceled an estimated 3,300 flights in the U.S. on Thursday, according to tracking site Flightradar24. More than 2,400 flights scheduled for Friday have already been canceled, according to FlightAware. Chicago O'Hare, Chicago Midway International Airport, and Denver International Airport experienced the most canceled flights.

Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas are typically two of the busiest travel days of the year. According to the Transportation Security Administration, there were 2.58 million travelers on Christmas Eve and 2.57 million travelers on the day after Christmas last year.

The American Automobile Association estimates 112.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2 – an increase of 3.6 million people over last year and close to pre-pandemic numbers. Nearly 102 million Americans will travel by car this holiday season.

Travel by air and road could be paralyzed by winter storms across the country.

Amtrak canceled several train services in the Midwest because of the massive winter storm.

The country braces for 'once-in-a-lifetime' winter storm

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Buffalo warned, "This once-in-a-generation storm will produce high winds east of Lake Ontario Thursday night into Friday morning, then over a larger coverage of our region Friday into Saturday. Winds could gust over 65 mph, leading to at least scattered power outages, if not widespread outages."

The National Weather Service reported, "A major and anomalous storm system is forecast to produce a multitude of weather hazards through early this weekend, as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures span from the northern Great Basin through the Plains, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and the northern/central Appalachians."

The NWS cautioned that some areas could be hit with "record-breaking cold air," power outages, heavy snow, and blizzard conditions with wind gusts of over 60 mph that "can bring travel to a halt."

Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of the Dakotas, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Montana.

Casper, Wyoming, set a new all-time record low temperature on Thursday by hitting minus 42 degrees.

CNN reported, "More than 90 million people are under winter weather alerts and more than 87 million are under wind chill alerts."

There are wind chill warnings, watches, and advisories across 36 states from Washington to Florida. Wind chill temperatures in the northernmost regions of the United States could reach 70 degrees below zero.

The National Weather Service said exposure to the life-threatening cold wind chills could cause frostbite, hypothermia, and even death.

\u201cI cannot recall the last time all of LA, MS and AL were under wind chill warnings or advisories. Insane. 36 states have wind chill alerts. This shows you the wide scope of dangerously cold temps and wind. Be safe and try to remain indoors if possible.\u201d
— Mike Bettes (@Mike Bettes) 1671729635
\u201c-45 degrees with wind chill! \ud83e\udd76 And so it begins. Dangerous cold gripping the country as a massive winter storm is set to hit Thursday through Saturday. #azwx #azfamily\u201d
— Ian Schwartz (@Ian Schwartz) 1671710863

Bomb cyclone storms could paralyze travel

Meteorologists are concerned there could be bomb cyclone activity. A bomb cyclone is a storm that intensifies immensely and rapidly – the pressure drops 24 millibars within 24 hours.

The Weather Channel reported, "Winter Storm Elliott is intensifying into a likely bomb cyclone as it tracks through the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes with snow and strong winds, including blizzard conditions for some."

"The storm is expected to become a bomb cyclone Thursday evening into Friday, reaching the pressure equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane as it moves into the Great Lakes," according to CNN.

In Denver, winter storms have already set a record with temperatures plummeting 24 degrees in just seven minutes on Wednesday afternoon. The temperature plunged 30 degrees in 10 minutes in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Within three minutes, there was a 26-degree drop in Dillion, Montana.

Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and St. Louis are under winter storm warnings for heavy snow and near-blizzard conditions.

South to feel frigid temperatures

On Thursday, snow could fall as far south as Jackson, Mississippi; Nashville, Tennessee; and Birmingham, Alabama. Wind chill temperatures are expected to fall to minus 11 degrees in Nashville and Atlanta on Saturday morning, and Birmingham is predicted to hit minus 5 degrees.

Meteorologists are predicting that several areas in Florida may hit freezing or near-freezing temperatures this weekend – making it the chilliest Christmas in 30 years. Tampa may experience its second-coldest Christmas of all time.

State of emergency declared

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in preparation for the "historic low temperatures," as did Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.

President Joe Biden advised, "I encourage everyone, everyone to please heed the local warnings. We’ve tried to contact 26 governors so far in affected regions. Go to weather.gov for more information. This is not like a snow day when you were a kid. This is serious stuff."

Jennifer Lawrence claims no women were action movie stars before her



Actress Jennifer Lawrence made some alarmingly shortsighted comments regarding female action movie leads in a recent interview with Variety magazine.

"I remember when I was doing 'Hunger Games,' nobody had ever put a woman in the lead of an action movie because it wouldn't work. We were told ... girls and boys can both identify with a male lead, but boys cannot identify with a female lead," Lawrence said.

"Oh, absolutely," replied Viola Davis, interviewing Lawrence for a program called "Actors on Actors."

\u201cJennifer Lawrence claims that before the Hunger Games there were no female protagonists. Really?\n\nhttps://t.co/z5CQCpCHuY\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1670435684

"It just makes me so happy, every single time I see a movie come out that just blows through every single one of those beliefs," Lawrence eloborated.

The first movie rendition of the "Hunger Games" series (the books were published 2008-2010) was released in theaters in 2012, meaning Lawrence's apparent position would be that there were no female action film stars prior to that year.

However, a rewind of 33 years may have audiences thinking of the most popular example of a female action lead, Sigourney Weaver in 1979's "Alien." Weaver went on to star in three more "Alien" movies as well.

There are several other action movie series starring women and predating Lawrence that she appears to have forgotten.

Milla Jovovich has starred in no less than six "Resident Evil" films since 2002, while Kate Beckinsale may also take offense, having starred in the "Underworld" films since 2003; she played her "Underworld" role five times.

Not to be forgotten of course is Uma Thurman, who starred in "Kill Bill," Vol. 1 and 2, in 2003 and 2004, and Angelina Jolie, who played Lara Croft twice in "Tomb Raider" movies starting in 2001.

Even a movie called "Nikita" in 1990 massively predates Lawrence's alleged breaking of the glass ceiling.

The "Hunger Games" star may also owe all three stars of "Charlie's Angels" an apology for stealing their thunder from a dozen years earlier.

Jennifer Lawrence & Viola Davis | Actors on Actors www.youtube.com

Former Twitter 'Trust & Safety' head defends banning the Babylon Bee earlier in 2022 for 'misgendering' trans Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine



Yoel Roth, the former head of Twitter's "Trust & Safety" department, last week defended Twitter's controversial banning of the Babylon Bee earlier in 2022 for "misgendering" Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine — a biological male who identifies as female.

Twitter suspended the satire site in March over a tweet pointing to its story titled, "The Babylon Bee's Man Of The Year Is Rachel Levine." The reason was "hateful conduct."

What did Roth say?

Podcaster Kara Swisher spoke to Roth onstage last week during "INFORMED: Conversations on Democracy in the Digital Age" and told him that while the Bee's piece was "not particularly funny," she "didn't agree [Twitter] should have taken that down."

Roth — who who left Twitter in early November after Elon Musk acquired the company — replied, “I want to start by acknowledging that the targeting and the victimization of the trans community on Twitter is very real, very life-threatening, and extraordinarily serious. We have seen from a number of Twitter accounts, including Libs of TikTok notably, that there are orchestrated campaigns that particularly are singling out a group that is already particularly vulnerable within society. ... Not only is it not funny, but it is dangerous, and it does contribute to an environment that makes people unsafe in the world. So let’s start from the premise that it’s f***ed up."

He continued by saying, "Let's look at what Twitter's written policies are. ... Twitter's written policies prohibit misgendering — full stop. And the Babylon Bee, in the name of satire, misgendered Admiral Rachel Levine."

Swisher seemed to push back a bit, reinforcing that the story was "satire."

But Roth was unmoved: "Nominally — but it's still misgendering ... there can be a very long and academic discussion of satire and sort of the lines there ... but, you know, we landed on the side of enforcing our rules as written."

Swisher replied that Twitter banning the Bee is what led to Musk buying the social media platform in the first place: "He was mad about that, I remember that." Roth smiled at Swisher's recollection.

Content warning: Language:

\u201cYoel Roth, who no longer works at Twitter, claims that satire is dangerous and that Libs of TikTok and The Babylon Bee are dangerous. I\u2019m glad he\u2019s gone. He was bad for Twitter.\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1670131866

Musk reinstated the Babylon Bee last month shortly after taking over Twitter.

Upon hearing the news, the Bee immediately was back to its old tricks and posted its first tweet since its suspension: "We're back. Let that sink in."

The tweet, which as of Monday has received nearly 440,000 likes, presumably references a pun from Musk when he was seen entering Twitter headquarters while carrying a sink.

Anything else?

During the "INFORMED" event Tuesday, Roth also admitted that Twitter should not have censored the Hunter Biden laptop story.

Musk, the following day, tweeted that "the obvious reality, as long-time users know, is that Twitter has failed in trust & safety for a very long time and has interfered in elections."

The Atlantic gets ridiculed and ratioed for demanding 'amnesty' for COVID tyrants, claiming dehumanization 'wasn't a moral failing'



The Atlantic started the week off with an audacious demand in an article entitled, "Let's Declare a Pandemic Amnesty." Emily Oster, an economist at Brown University, wrote, "We need to forgive one another for what we did and said when we were in the dark about COVID." Oster's proposal was met with ridicule and contempt.

Judging by the overwhelmingly negative response to the article on Twitter, many are not yet ready to absolve those who for years championed and partook in oppressive and discriminatory pandemic laws and social conventions — laws and conventions that had family members die alone, persons wary about experimental vaccines lose their jobs, children isolated and academically stunted, and Americans segregated.

No consequences, thanks

In the article published Monday, Oster noted that she and her family had taken "misguided" precautions such as wearing bandanas as masks that "wouldn't have done anything, anyway" on empty hiking trails.

While largely ignoring the more severe measures taken and rules enforced in the name of public safety, Oster referenced the arbitrary closure of beaches and the unjustifiable closure of schools as two examples of "getting it wrong."

"We didn't know," Oster wrote, indicating that ignorance justified the rest.

Oster argued that in "the face of so much uncertainty ... getting something wrong wasn't a moral failing."

Meanwhile, she contended that some of "the right people were right for the wrong reasons."

Oster is keen not to treat "pandemic choices as a scorecard on which some people racked up more points than others." She wants to move forward.

Discussions about how some people were immediately ready to dehumanize their neighbors or castigate fellow citizens for exhibiting wariness about untested medications tend to be "heated, unpleasant and, ultimately, unproductive" so why, suggested Oster, have them?

Oster's solution: "Put these fights aside and declare a pandemic amnesty."

"We need to learn from our mistakes and then let them go. We need to forgive the attacks, too," Oster declared, suggesting that expecting accountability for the "complicated choices" some people made "can lead to a repetitive doom loop."

No, we insist

Oster got ratioed when she linked to her article on Twitter. The post received 2,300 likes and over 32,300 replies. Many of the replies indicated that justice must be given priority over forgiveness.

\u201cMy latest in @TheAtlantic \n\nhttps://t.co/w6GIOEMhZv\u201d
— ProfEmilyOster (@ProfEmilyOster) 1667212895

Oster had recommended forgiving but not forgetting. Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean indicated that she would do neither, writing, "Many of us won't ever forgive or forget. Especially when it comes to the seniors who died in nursing homes after leaders flooded their residences with covid patients and never told us or protected them. They knew better. We deserve justice first."

\u201cOh no, @ProfEmilyOster. Many of us won\u2019t ever forgive or forget. Especially when it comes to the seniors who died in nursing homes after leaders flooded their residences with covid patients and never told us or protected them. They knew better. We deserve justice first.\u201d
— Janice Dean (@Janice Dean) 1667232795

The rapper Nzube Olisaebuka Udezue (Zuby) wrote, "People want justice and accountability. Nobody has properly acknowledged nor apologised for the immense pain, grief, and harm they caused to others. People who never wronged them at all. Including you. We have receipts."

\u201c@ProfEmilyOster @TheAtlantic No. People want justice and accountability.\n\nNobody has properly acknowledged nor apologised for the immense pain, grief, and harm they caused to others. People who never wronged them at all. \n\nIncluding you. We have receipts.\u201d
— ProfEmilyOster (@ProfEmilyOster) 1667212895

Libs of TikTok replied to Oster: "I'll never forget what the Democrats did - how they destroyed thousands of lives by forcing school/business closures, people died alone in hospitals while nurses danced because they didn't allow visitors, thousands lost their jobs for refusing a vax, list goes on and on."

Ukrainian-American podcaster Michael Malice noted that it is hard to forgive when those in apparent need of forgiveness have never apologized.

Turning Point USA contributor Laura Chen highlighted how the "pandemic amnesty" advocate had previously recommended the unvaccinated be shamed and segregated.

\u201c@ProfEmilyOster @TheAtlantic Forgiveness usually comes after an apology.\n\nI see no apology in this piece.\n\nRemember how you encouraged family members to pressure each other and the unvaxxed to be fired?\n\nPerhaps a little "I'm sorry for that" would be a good place to start.\u201d
— ProfEmilyOster (@ProfEmilyOster) 1667212895

Others called the proposed amnesty into question, suggesting — in many cases with the aid of graphic videos depicting how people were treated for not wearing masks or being found without vaccine passports — that the offenses for which Oster demands forgiveness weren't simply a matter of not knowing "any better."

\u201cAmnesty?\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1667265590

John Haar provided Oster with a reminder from Rasmussen Reports that some "mistakes" may prove too great for such swift and simple "amnesty."

The Rasmussen report referenced by Haar indicated that as of January 13, 2022, "nearly half (48%) of Democratic voters th[ought] Federal and state governments should be able to fine or imprison individuals who publicly question the efficacy of the existing COVID-19 vaccines on social media, television, radio, or in online or digital publications."

The report also revealed that "Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Democratic voters would favor a government policy requiring that citizens remain confined to their homes at all times, except for emergencies, if they refuse to get a COVID-19 vaccine." 79% of Republicans were opposed.

\u201c@ProfEmilyOster @TheAtlantic Emily Oster: let's just forget this happened.\u201d
— ProfEmilyOster (@ProfEmilyOster) 1667212895

Mary Harrington wrote in UnHerd that Oster's request and similar recommendations are driven by self-interest: "Those who drove Covid policy presented themselves not just as people doing their best, but as the sole bearers of rational truth and life-saving moral authority."

"Doubtless the laptop class would prefer that we judge Covid policy by intention," wrote Harrington, "not results, lest too close an evaluation result in their fingers being prised from the baton of public righteousness."

Seoul stampede of terror: At least 146 dead, another 150 injured after being crushed during Halloween festivities in South Korea



Halloween festivities held in South Korea spiraled into pure terror on Saturday night. A stampede disaster killed at least 146 people and injured another 150 in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

Revelers flocked to Seoul's entertainment district of Itaewon for Halloween festivities. The Halloween celebration attracted approximately 100,000 to the streets – which is believed to be the biggest in South Korea since the country recently eased its COVID-19 restrictions.

However, the merriment quickly turned into tragedy as young people reportedly rushed to see an unidentified celebrity at a nearby bar. Hundreds of partygoers poured into a narrow alley near the Hamilton Hotel. The massive influx of people caused many to fall to the ground and get crushed.

(WARNING: Graphic video)

\u201cItaewon, Seoul. EMTs try to rescue victims of massive overcrowding at a Halloween event. Horrific.\u201d
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1667062062

The grisly aftermath shows lifeless bodies strewn on the pavement covered by blue blankets. Some unconscious people are seen getting CPR to try to save their lives. South Korean officials say approximately 50 people suffered from cardiac arrest.

There were so many dead bodies that they had to be transported to a nearby gymnasium for identification.

Roughly 850 emergency workers and police officers from around South Korea rushed to Seoul to treat the victims. Dozens of emergency vehicles were spotted at the chaotic scene.

\u201cOfficials in Seoul said that at least 120 people were dead and 100 others were injured after a stampede in the South Korean capital's popular Itaewon district, where crowds had gathered to celebrate Halloween. https://t.co/auJuczo3Ll\u201d
— The New York Times (@The New York Times) 1667068247


\u201cVideo shows many people receiving CPR after stampede at Halloween party in Itaewon, Seoul; number of victims not yet known\n\n\u26a0\ufe0f: Viewer discretion is advised\u201d
— BNO News (@BNO News) 1667059149

The Daily Mail reported that there were 146 dead and 150 injured from the deadly Seoul stampede.

Choi Seong-beom – chief of Seoul’s Yongsan fire department – said the death toll could rise because there are an unspecified number of victims in critical condition.

Michelle Ye Hee – Washington Post'sTokyo/Seoul bureau chief – wrote on Twitter, "There are still so many unidentified bodies and possibly even more casualties from Itaewon. Seoul city is compiling a roster of people calling in to ask about their missing loved ones. It's 4:25 a.m., and the investigation and the identification of bodies is only just beginning."

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol instructed the health ministry to immediately deploy disaster medical assistance teams and secure beds in nearby hospitals to treat the injured. He also demanded a review of the safety issues of the Halloween festivities.

\u201cWARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT \u2013 A stampede in South Korea left at least 120 people dead after a crowd poured into an alley in a night-life area of Seoul for Halloween festivities https://t.co/0ZIX4goo8F\u201d
— Reuters (@Reuters) 1667070600