May 25, 2015

Listen LIVE to PandoLIVE right now

It's Monday which means it's time for another episode of PandoLIVE. We're joined this week by Pando's Dan Raile to talk Bitcoin sexism and SF small businesses disrupting themselves to survive. Listen live right here. Paul Carr Paul Carr is editorial director of Pando. Previously he was founder and editor in chief of NSFWCORP.






Source: PandoDaily

Senator Who Did 'All Kinds of Indecent Things' With Animals Marries Longtime Aide

"She makes $165,000 a year in his employ."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Obama amnesty helps guest-workers and their spouses over laid-off tech workers

Technology workers who say they lost their jobs to immigrant workers lost their bid to halt President Obama's latest guest-worker program after a court ruled Sunday evening that they couldn't prove the new workers would specifically compete with them.

Federal District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan's ruling means Mr. Obama's controversial ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Drone Flying Above Memorial Day Parade Crashes, Lands on Spectator's Head — but if Incident Had Occurred Moments Earlier, It Could Have Been Much Worse

 "Well, I just got hit by the thing."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Rest Home Fire in Central China Leaves 38 Dead, State Media Reports

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Inside the Beltway: Obama + Clinton + Florida = fundraisers

The phrase gets old after a while, but it's time to rev up Air Force One once again: President Obama has a pair of fundraisers to attend in Florida.

On Wednesday he's off to Miami to raise money for the Democratic National Committee at a private dinner in the home ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Viral 'Charlie Charlie' Social Media Challenge Has Kids Trying to Summon Demon With Ancient Ritual

"Charlie, Charlie are you here?"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Highlights from around the state Capitol

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - After nearly four hours of divisive debate, the Texas Senate voted along party lines Monday in favor of a Republican-backed measure that would tighten rules for teenagers unable to get the required parental consent for an abortion.

The bill, which won preliminary approval on a 21-10 ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Suspicious Package Washes Ashore in Texas — and Authorities Say Contents Are Worth Nearly $1 Million

"[R]eceived a call from the Galveston Island Beach Patrol stating that a suspicious package had washed ashore…"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Josh Duggar Cracks Up Over Incest Joke He Made On TV [VIDEO]

The '19 Kids and Counting' star recently admitted to molesting his sisters when he was a teen

Via: The Daily Caller

Things Go Very Wrong As Man Attempts to Perform Burnout on Motorcycle

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Standoff between Rauner, Democrats hangs over Legislature

CHICAGO (AP) - A standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats who control the Illinois Legislature is threatening to derail action on a long list of issues as lawmakers enter the final days of their spring session.

At the center of the fight are the 2016 state budget and ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

As Blockchain Summit kicks off, angry women can piss off

It's been a little over a month now since Bill Tai and the other organizers of the Blockchain Summit announced the moderators and participants lists for their inaugural event on Richard Branson's private Caribbean isle. The four-day event promised to assemble the world's "greatest minds in digital innovation" to "define the future." The Bilderbergian aspirations of the Summit can easily be dismissed as mere breathless PR. The idea […]






Source: PandoDaily

Here's Everything We Learned From The Hillary Emails Friday News Dump

13 emails worth reading

Via: The Daily Caller

Woman hanging on Shell ship since Friday ends drill protest

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) - The woman who had been hanging off the anchor chain of a support ship that is part of Royal Dutch Shell's plans to explore for oil in the Arctic Ocean ended her dayslong protest north of Seattle on Monday morning.

Student activist Chiara D'Angelo requested assistance ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Mike Rowe Googled 'The Unknown Soldier,' but the Name on Another Tombstone Led Him to an 'Unimaginable' Story

"…a legend among the Special Forces."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

SALIM FURTH: Influence of neighborhoods on childhood outcomes

What determines where you live? Housing costs, family income, the quality of schools, length of commute all matter in our housing decisions. But there are overarching factors that are even more important: the people who compose your family and where you work. Have your first child? Get a divorce? Find ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Sen. Thad Cochran Marries Longtime Aide At Center Of Campaign Speculation

Cochran's campaign had denied any relationship

Via: The Daily Caller

Here's the remarkable letter Chuck Johnson's attorney sent to Twitter threatening legal action

For at least the fourth time in his sad, shameful, misogynist, racist career, Twitter has suspended the rightwing blogger Chuck Johnson. This expulsion came after Johnson solicited donations toward the goal of "taking out" civil rights activist DeRay McKesson. McKesson, who quit his job as a school administrator in Minnesota to join and cover the protests following Michael Brown's death in Ferguson, says he took the tweet "as a serious […]






Source: PandoDaily

PacSun Feels the Wrath of Customers, Veterans Over American Flag Shirt Displayed on Memorial Day Weekend

"As a combat veteran I refuse to step into your store ever again."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Thad Cochran marries Kay Webber, his longtime aide, his office says

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran — the Mississippi Republican whose 2014 primary campaign drew national attention over an aspiring blogger's photos of his bedridden wife — has married his longtime aide, his office said Monday.

The wedding to Kay Webber took place privately Saturday in Gulfport.

The ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Family Stops to Help Injured Bald Eagle on Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Trip

"We stopped just in front and I grabbed my phone and called 911.

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Beach Inflatable Sent Flying Through the Air With Children Inside After Waterspout Makes Landfall in Florida

"All three kids were ejected from about 20 feet in the air."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Joe Biden tries to smooth over tensions with Baghdad

As tensions mount between the Obama administration and Baghdad over the quality of Iraqi security forces, Vice President Joseph R. Biden tried to reassure Iraq's prime minister Monday that the U.S. stands behind the Iraqi government in its battle with the Islamic State.

The White House said Mr. Biden spoke ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

FBI Determines Anonymous Chemical Weapons Threat at NYC Airport a False Alarm

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

In a delightfully karmic twist, Hacker's List users have been "hacked"

How's this for karma: A researcher claims to have identified email addresses, phone numbers, and Facebook accounts belonging to users of the Hacker's List marketplace. In other words, the people looking to hire hackers have themselves been "hacked." Hacker's List is meant to "connect people who need professional hackers to professional hackers for hire around the world" through what it calls a "safe, fast, and secure" website. Some #brand experts might call it […]






Source: PandoDaily

Photos: Texas Governor Declares State of Disaster After Violent Tornado Ravages U.S.-Mexico Border

"At least 10 people were killed." 

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

In Memorial Day tribute to fallen troops, Obama cites his role in ending wars

President Obama used the Memorial Day holiday to remind Americans Monday that it's the first such annual observance since the 9/11 terrorist attacks that U.S. combat troops aren't fighting a major war on distant battlefields.

"For many of us, this Memorial Day is especially meaningful," Mr. Obama told a crowd ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Mom Arrested for Allegedly Leaving 8-Year-Old Home Alone for the Weekend: 'Said I Was Old Enough Because I Took Taekwondo'

"Is just mind blowing."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Going Rogue At The FEC

Attempts to purify politics through campaign finance reform end in predictable disaster.

Via: The Daily Caller

College Football Player Who Was Paralyzed His Freshman Year Just Graduated. See the Two Amazing Things He Did Over the Weekend.

"Man! So what did you guys do this weekend?"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Listen again to last week's PandoLIVE, with special guest Emily Guendelsberger

On last week's PandoLIVE, Sarah and I were joined by special guest Emily Guendelsberger, a senior staff writer for Philadelphia City Paper who went undercover as an Uber driver and lived to tell the tale. Listen to the full episode below. Paul Carr Paul Carr is editorial director of Pando. Previously he was founder and editor in […]






Source: PandoDaily

Oil Company Gets Surprising Credit for Boosting Tourism Years After Massive Deadly Spill

"I think our area has recovered profoundly."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Top Israeli Diplomat Cites Bible, Instructs Overseas Envoys to Stress 'This Land Is Ours, All of It Is Ours'

"It's the first time they have asked us to use a Torah commentary for purposes of public diplomacy."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Tattoo Shop's Message to Both Bikers and Cops Sparks Anger: 'Police Will Not Be Served'

"Had I said I was unwilling to serve gays in my business, I'd probably have the full support of the community."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Minneapolis PedalPubs Attacked With 'Big Water Cannons,' but Some Riders Turn Out to Be Off-Duty Cops — Watch the Aftermath

"These weren't little squirt guns."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

A look at former lawmakers convicted in Tennessee Waltz

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The five former lawmakers convicted in the FBI's Tennessee Waltz bribery sting all served sentences for their roles. Here is a look at where they are now:

___

JOHN FORD: The former Democratic senator from Memphis who once boasted that "Nobody in this body is more ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Arizona Woman Who Ran Over Husband With A Jeep For Not Voting Romney Gets 3.5 Years

Vote... or Die?

Via: The Daily Caller

'I'm Angry': Marine Veteran Delivers a Tough History Lesson and Reveals Why She Hates Hearing 'Happy Memorial Day'

"It's not Veterans Day. It's not military appreciation day. Don't thank me for my service."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Ethics panel fading to obscurity 10 years after Tenn. Waltz

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - In the typical fray of the legislative session, few paid close attention to a seemingly innocuous bill about recycling computer equipment. That was until federal agents started arresting lawmakers.

Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the arrest of five former lawmakers in the FBI's bribery sting ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Black TV Executive Calls Obama A 'White President In Black Face' [VIDEO]

'Let us down tremendously'

Via: The Daily Caller

Preacher Was Placing Memorial Day Flags Outside of His Church on Sunday Morning When Tragedy Struck: 'We Look to God For Strength'

we've already prayed for that person who actually committed the crime,"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

'Not a Terrorist Act': Soldier Opens Fire on Fellow Troops in Tunis Barracks, Killing Seven

"Troubled behavior."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Pastor's Wife Gets Ripped Apart Online for What She Posted on the 'Atheist of the Year's' Facebook Page About Josh Duggar

"This is spiritual warfare."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

GOP lawmaker: NY lawmakers must act on ethics

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The leader of the Republican minority in New York's state Assembly says legislators must pass ethics reforms before adjourning next month.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb said Friday that recent corruption scandals have disrupted legislative work and damaged the public's trust in government.

Kolb wants lawmakers ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

U.S. Marine and His Bride-to-Be Do Something in This Now-Viral Wedding Day Photo That Their Photographer Called 'One of the Best Things I…Ever Got to See'

"I have photographed alot of weddings…"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

'Words Kill': Black Woman Claimed She Faced Racism at a Government Office. Then People Online Went After the Manager, and He Did Something Tragic.

"She asked for immediate service and immediately began shouting that not getting what she was asking for is racism."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

A Wealthy Arab Country Is Creating Its Own Space Agency

 "Seeking to confirm its status as a spacefaring nation."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Bomb Squad Detonates Pressure Cooker Found Near U.S. Capitol, One Person Arrested

"…items of concern…"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Islamic State Group Says It Has Enough Money to Buy Pakistani Nuclear Weapon and Smuggle It Into U.S. From Mexico 'To Pull Off Something Truly Epic'

"From there it's just a quick hop through a smuggling tunnel and hey presto, they're mingling with another 12 million 'illegal' aliens in America with a nuclear bomb in the trunk of their car."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Happy Memorial Day

The Washington Free Beacon thanks America's veterans for all their sacrifice and service to the country. Happy Memorial Day.

Source: Washington Free Beacon

Matthew Continetti on CNN Breaks Down The Free Beacon's Unearthing of The Stephanopoulos Donations

Source: Washington Free Beacon

DOCS: Bin Laden Was Disgusted by Gay Marriage and Abortion

The papers found in Osama bin Laden's compound include a 15-page document that urges bomb-makers to join al Qaeda to kill "drunkard, sinful" American voters who permit "alien satanic practices" such as same-sex marriage and abortion. The document, titled Terror Franchise: The Unstoppable Assassin, was written by senior al Qaeda operative Abu-Salih Al Somali to recruit ...More

The post DOCS: Bin Laden Was Disgusted by Gay Marriage and Abortion appeared first on DailySurge.

Source: DailySurge

May 24, 2015

'Articles Like This Tick Me Off': Blaze Readers React to Matt Walsh Column Urging Christians to Stop Watching 'Game of Thrones'

"Great article, Matt."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Martin Luther King III, Rand Paul aim to fight poverty without creating welfare state

Martin Luther King III is on a mission to revive his late father's 1968 anti-poverty campaign in hopes to quell unrest in places like Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri — and he's taking his message straight to the White House and all of the 2016 presidential contenders.

Mr. King told The ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Yankees' Prospect Gets Dream Call-Up to Big Leagues and Is Brought Down to Earth With One Humbling Question

"My name is Jacob Lindgren. I just got called up."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Bill Nye Uses Constitution to Claim 'Denying Science' Is 'Unpatriotic.' Too Bad He Didn't Quote It Very Carefully.

"Here is some news for you clueless liberals, Bill Nye is neither a science guy, constitutional scholar, or even a patriot."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Inside the Beltway: Step aside, Bernie Sanders has a big week

He is the busiest of all the presidential hopefuls this week. Sure, Sen. Marco Rubio will celebrate his birthday in Las Vegas on Thursday, and Carly Fiorina and Gov. Scott Walker will head for New Hampshire later in the week, but it's Sen. Bernard Sanders who has the wall-to-wall schedule ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

SHOCKER: Researcher Behind Fabricated Gay Marriage Study LIED About Funding

'There was no data, and no plausible way of getting the data'

Via: The Daily Caller

Bob Woodward Shoots Down Story That Bush Lied to Get U.S. in Iraq War, Implies Obama Troop Pullout Was Wrong Move

"When you're a superpower, you have to buy these insurance policies, and he didn't in this case." 

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Florida Gov. Rick Scott decries Obama strong-arm tactics on health care funding

Florida lawmakers say they're closer to averting a government shutdown this summer after the Obama administration moved to defuse a health-funding standoff with Republican Gov. Rick Scott that has featured a lawsuit, comparisons to a TV mob family and personal pleas to Congress.

Key players in Tallahassee said the administration ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

New Russian Law Allowing Shutdown of 'Undesirable' Foreign Organizations Sparks Condemnation, Outrage

"… ongoing draconian crackdown which is squeezing the life out of civil society."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

The curse of the first-day pop, and why Shopify deserves better

Another week, another money-losing tech IPO has an eye-popping rally on its first day of trading. The latest shooting star is Shopify. Like the better-managed IPOs of late, Shopify is positioned for more growth in a promising market. Founded in 2006, Shopify offers a commerce platform for smaller businesses, whether they operate purely online, in brick-and-mortar stores, in pop-up shops and trade shows, or all of the above. Larger retail and restaurant […]






Source: PandoDaily

Actress Anne Meara, Mother of Ben Stiller, Dies at 85

Meara and Jerry Stiller performed as Stiller & Meara on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Guy at Barstool Caught on Video Groping Waitress. But She Teaches Him Several Painful Lessons on Why That's Never Acceptable.

He immediately got up and grabbed the inside of the waitress' upper-right thigh.

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Cleveland Protesters Pepper-Sprayed Customers Sitting at Outdoor Cafes, Police Chief Says

"One of the protesters actually picked up a sign at one of the restaurants on the sidewalk and threw it at a patron."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Hillary's Potential Running Mate Calls Email Inquiry A 'Witch Hunt' [VIDEO]

Says Benghazi 'has been studied to death'

Via: The Daily Caller

'Insane' Photos and Videos Show Oklahoma, Texas Flooding That Has Killed One Firefighter and Left 1,000 Evacuated

18.19 inches.

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Lawmakers fail to ramp up ethics laws for Missouri officials

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Like most years, Missouri state lawmakers in the 2015 legislative session introduced a number of bills aimed at clamping down on ethics laws considered some of the loosest in the nation.

And like most years, despite months of discussions and assurances from legislative leaders who ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

John McCain Calls Obama's Press Secretary an 'Idiot'

"Bodies are on fire in the streets of Ramadi."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

New Kansas law on concealed guns concerns campuses

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - Faculty and students have expressed concern about the potential impact on the classroom of an upcoming law that will allow people to carry concealed guns inside buildings on Kansas college campuses.

After July 1, 2017, campus buildings in Kansas have to allow concealed carry unless the ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

'For God's Sake!': Huckabee Fires Back When Fox Host Puts a 'False Comparison' on Gay Marriage to Him

"It's a matter of balance of power."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

De Niro to NYU Art School Grads: 'You're f—ked,' Be Ready For 'A Lifetime Of Rejection'

Robert De Niro gave the graduates of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts a reality check during his commencement address on Friday. "You're an artist – yeah, you're f***ed," De Niro told the film, art, and media graduates at Madison Square Garden Theater. "The good news is that's not a bad place to start," the ...More

The post De Niro to NYU Art School Grads: 'You're f—ked,' Be Ready For 'A Lifetime Of Rejection' appeared first on DailySurge.

Source: DailySurge

Democratic Congressman On ISIS War: 'I Wouldn't Say That We're Winning' [VIDEO]

'...Largely a stalemate situation...'

Via: The Daily Caller

U.S. Defense Secretary Says Something About Iraqi Soldiers That Leaves Iraqis Fuming — and Demanding More Weapons

"What apparently happened is the Iraqi forces just showed no will to fight. They were not outnumbered."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

United Nations Foundation Is Bankrolling Journalists, but Promises It's Not Trying to Buy Positive Coverage

"Full editorial control of content remains with the media outlet."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Ohio Gov. John Kasich edges closer to 2016 run

Ohio Gov. John Kasich hinted Sunday that he is ready to jump into the GOP race for president, saying he's "very optimistic about where we're headed."

Mr. Kasich, a Republican, said his team is "getting closer" to making a firm decision about the 2016 contest and he is soliciting financial ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Today Is For The Fallen

"We are fortunate to know Memorial Day. Much more fortunate than those for which we have this day."

Via: The Daily Caller

Campaign-style tactics fueling Illinois legislative gridlock

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An already challenging legislative session has grown even trickier as Democrats and Republicans have begun targeting lawmakers with campaign-style mailers, TV ads and new multimillion-dollar political committees.

The Democratic Party, led by House Speaker Michael Madigan, sent the first of what's expected to be several mailers, ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Kasich Categorically Rules Out Vice Presidential Run: 'Forget It!' [VIDEO]

'I don't play for second.'

Via: The Daily Caller

The Tortured Genius From 'A Beautiful Mind' Killed in Taxi Crash

"Beautiful minds, beautiful hearts."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Obama DoD Secretary Blames Iraqis For Fall Of Ramadi: 'No Will To Fight' [VIDEO]

'We have an issue with the will of the Iraqis to fight ISIL...'

Via: The Daily Caller

Housing Officer's Dead Body Discovered in New Orleans

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Report: George W Bush Once Offered To Officiate A Gay Wedding

The same guy who backed the Federal Marriage Amendment

Via: The Daily Caller

Monica Lewinsky and Moby Helped Host a Huge Hollywood Party for This Guy

#DancingMan

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

This High School Football Player Will Blow Your Mind

Class of 2017.

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Here's the Situation in Cleveland the Morning After a Judge Refused to 'Sacrifice' a Cop to Public Sentiment

"I'm just so mad we never get justice."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

'Amazing Hardcore Civil Disobedience': Cop Can't Keep a Straight Face During Aggressive Encounter Over a Strange 'Motorhome'

"You work for me, I don't have to tell you anything."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Syrian helicopter crashes; activists say militants downed it

BEIRUT (AP) - A Syrian military helicopter crashed Sunday at the northern air base of Kweiras, killing all its crew, state TV said, as an activist group said it was shot down by Islamic State militants.

The TV report quoted an unnamed military official as saying that the helicopter crashed ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Pope Francis' Disturbing Cuba Activism

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama announced that the United States would be changing its policy toward Cuba, opening a Havana embassy and expanding travel. "Through these changes, we intend to create more opportunities for the American and Cuban people and begin a new chapter among the nations of the Americas," President Obama explained.

The president negotiated the deal between the United States and Cuba over the course of 18 months. Pope Francis apparently initiated the negotiations himself. The Vatican released the following statement:

[T]he Holy Father wishes to express his warm congratulations for the historic decision taken by the governments of the United States of America and Cuba to establish diplomatic relations, with the aim of overcoming, in the interest of the citizens of both countries, the difficulties which have marked their recent history.

Raul Castro thanked Pope Francis personally for the deal.

Pope Francis' casual embrace of a communist regime contrasts sharply with the approach of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict. Pope John Paul II's visit to Poland in 1979 famously helped launch the solidarity movement that led to the collapse of communism in the nation.

When Pope John Paul II visited Cuba in 1998, he blasted the Castro regime by routinely using the language of freedom, and implicitly criticizing the Castros:

The Church in Cuba has always proclaimed Jesus Christ, even if at times she has had a scarcity of priests and has had to do so in difficult circumstances. I wish to express my admiration for so many of the Cuban faithful for their fidelity to Christ, to the Church and to the Pope, as also for the respect they have shown for the more genuine religious traditions learned from their elders, and for the courage and persevering spirit of commitment demonstrated in the midst of their sufferings and ardent hopes.

Pope Francis, then an assistant archbishop, apparently wrote a book about the visit, which he joined. The tract, titled Dialogues Between John Paul II and Fidel Castro, slammed "the spirit that has driven capitalism – using capital to oppress and subject people."

Pope Benedict visited Cuba in 2012 and slammed the American embargo against Cuba, but also stated in Havana's Revolution Square:

The truth is a desire of the human person, the search for which always supposes the exercise of authentic freedom…[some] wrongly interpret this search for the truth, leading them to irrationality and fanaticism; they close themselves in 'their truth,' and try to impose it on others.

At the time, human rights activists criticized Benedict for not meeting with dissidents.

Francis has gone further than both of his predecessors. He didn't merely criticize the embargo – he attempted to broken an end to it with explicitly political maneuvering. According to his biographer, Austen Ivereigh, Francis "saw the paralysis that resulted from the embargo, which had a deeply damaging impact on Cuban politics, psyche and economics."

And unlike both John Paul II and Benedict, Francis' critique of communism has been tepid at best. In October, Francis complained that "land, housing and work are increasingly unavailable to the majority of the world's population," and warned, "If I talk about this, some will think that the Pope is a communist." Instead, Francis explained, "love for the poor is at the center of the Gospel…it's the social doctrine of the church." 

In June, Francis actually suggested that communism had cribbed from Catholicism: "I can only say that the communists have stolen our flat. The flag of the poor is Christian…Communists say that all this is communism. Sure, twenty centuries later. So when they speak, one can say to them: 'but then you are Christian.'"

In December 2013, Francis said at the United Nations that economic progress could be achieved through "the legitimate redistribution of economic benefits by the state, as well as indispensible cooperation between the private sector and civil society." He has tweeted, "Inequality is the root of social evil" – a notion that would certainly come as a shock to many religious people who believe that mistreatment of others is the root of social evil.

In October 2013, Francis went so far as to tell a prominent Italian interviewer, "Each of us has a vision of good and of evil. We have to encourage people to move towards what they think is Good…Everyone has his own idea of good and evil and must choose to follow the good and fight evil as he conceives them. That would be enough to make the world a better place." This seeming moral relativism is unsettling coming from the most powerful voice for traditional Biblical religion on the planet.

Pope Francis' perspective on the Cuban embargo is nothing new to the Vatican. His active involvement in negotiations, however, is. And given his rhetorical differences with his predecessors on the evils of communism, that activism should cause nervousness among more traditional Catholics in the mold of John Paul II and Benedict.

Ben Shapiro is Senior Editor-At-Large of Breitbart News and author of the new book, The People vs. Barack Obama: The Criminal Case Against The Obama Administration (Threshold Editions, June 10, 2014). He is also Editor-in-Chief of TruthRevolt.org. Follow Ben Shapiro on Twitter @benshapiro.









Via: Breitbart Feed

Jailed Venezuelan leader starts hunger strike, urges protest

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez said he is beginning a hunger strike and called for a mass anti-government protest next week in a video leaked Saturday.

Lopez has been held in a military prison for more than a year on charges related to his role in ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Police Find Mother Pushing Her Dead 3-Year-Old Son on Playground Swing

… pushing the toddler for "an unusually long period of time," perhaps even overnight.

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories