Full Text: Harrison Butker Talks Marriage and Faith at Georgia Tech’s Graduation 2023

Although this year’s speech made a bigger social-media splash, Butker shared much of the same advice last year to students at his alma mater.

Harrison Butker speaks to students at Georgia Tech during the 2023 commencement ceremony. (photo: Screenshot / Georgia Tech/YouTube)

Ladies and gentlemen of the Class of 2023: Congratulations on making it to this pivotal point in your life. It was only six short years ago that I sat where you are now, having just been drafted into the NFL the weekend prior. Sitting there that day, I could not have imagined where my life would take me, let alone that I would be standing here before you today. I’d like to thank President [Angel] Cabrera for granting me this honor of speaking alongside Gov. [Sonny] Perdue and Secretary [Antony] Blinken. I guess for all the industrial engineers out there, at least I give you hope that even imaginary engineers can do big things in life. 

I am somewhat not much older than all of you, yet I have been asked to speak, not because I am a great orator or because I have a number of impressive accolades — well, maybe two Super Bowl rings. I just happen to be blessed by God to be really good at kicking a funny-shaped ball between two yellow posts. 

So for someone who is not paid to speak for a living, I’m about to pop off some hard truths. I don’t care if you have a successful career. I don’t care if you have a big bank account, whether you fly private. Many of you in this crowd will achieve these things. Some of you maybe already have. But in the end, no matter how much money you attain, none of it will matter if you are alone and devoid of purpose. 

As someone raised in a family of overachievers, success was expected; and as a young man, I found happiness in being celebrated for my worldly achievements. My inner desire to be celebrated manifested academically through long hours of study and, of course, riding the curve. That desire was pushed further by the many successes I attained playing here on the flats. 

All of you are here today because you are smart, capable and hardworking people. And as long as I am being honest, the world is filled with miserable smart, capable and hardworking people. There are too many examples to list of people who have achieved great worldly success and fleeting happiness, but, in the end, are unfulfilled. 

Now, don’t get me wrong: I want you to be successful. 

But this isn’t so much about your career as it is using your talents, being your best, fulfilling the potential you were created for. 

It is said: “What’s done in the darkness will be brought to the light.”

This is a powerful reminder to us all that our actions matter, whether they are seen or not. Some of the most important people who have ever lived remain unknown, and their stories have yet to be told. But they still used their God-given talents to do great things and change the world. What a profound example to be motivated by our purpose rather than the current spotlight of the world. 

For many of you, your academic careers are coming to an end. For some, this is just one of many milestones. Either way, it is important to use today as an opportunity to take stock of your mission. 

Our culture is suffering. We all see it. It doesn’t matter which political persuasion you sit on or whether you are a person of deep faith or not — anyone with eyes can see that something is off. 

Studies have shown one of the many negative effects of the pandemic is that a lot of young adults feel a sense of loneliness, anxiety and depression, despite technology that has connected us more than ever before. It would seem the more connected people are to one another, the more they feel alone. I am not sure the root of this, but at least I can offer one controversial antidote that I believe will have a lasting impact for generations to come: Get married, and start a family. I will say: This is the most important thing I have right here. 

Having kicked the game-winning field goal in both the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl, I have received a great deal of praise for these successes. They just announced that this Super Bowl was the most-watched football game of all time, and yet all this happiness is temporary. 

And the truth is, none of these accomplishments mean anything compared to the happiness I have found in my marriage and in starting a family. My confidence as a husband and father, and, yes, even as a football player, is rooted in marriage with my wife, as we leave our mark on future generations by the children we bring into the world. How much greater of a legacy can anyone leave than that? 

Sadly, we are encouraged to live our lives for ourselves, to move from one thing to another with no long-term commitment; to have loyalty for nothing but ourselves and sacrifice only when it suits our own interests. This loneliness is rooted in the lies being sold about self-dependence and prioritizing our career over important relationships. 

Recently, pro-football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe was on the New Heights podcast with my teammate Travis Kelce, and he said the one thing he wishes he could tell his inner self is that “everything you’ve accomplished doesn’t mean anything because you don’t have anybody to share it with.”

As you leave Tech, you will continue to face challenges. We might live in a retively safe society, but make no mistake, there is always war currently being waged around us: war amongst families, war on truths; and even Elon Musk and those pesky Twitter wars. There is a feeling of hopelessness for the future, and we continue to become entrenched in our respective groups. 

Identity politics has caused us to look at one another through a prism of hate and lack of respect for the human person. It seems the days of seeing the value of others may be gone, understanding that all people have value, bestowed upon them by the Creator. 

Gone are the days when the plurality of thought was accepted and encouraged. Instead, freedom of thought has been replaced by a culture built on cancellations for those who disagree. 

In order for us to realize the full potential of our abilities, we must take risks at the expense of being silenced. There will always be critics and those that disagree with our viewpoints. However, if we shy away from confrontation, then the only voices left will be the ones with the most power. 

As a young man on this campus, it was the Catholic Center that laid the foundation for me to prioritize meaningful relationships and become the husband and father I am today. 

While I am still striving to be a better, more virtuous man, I am confident that, with God and with my wife by my side, I can do more than I ever could have imagined alone. 

You all know that I am just a kicker, but it’s my other job where I have been able to use even more of my talents and grow further. I co-founded MDKeller with my best friend to support a diversified family of businesses that unite around our ethos of shared values and shared success. As a student, I could never have fathomed that i would someday play in the Super Bowl three times; and, yet more surprisingly, that I would start my own company. Everyday at MDKeller is exciting. Companies like Novice have been great partners in bringing high-quality athletic gear all across the nation and even to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

As someone who understands the importance of dressing well outside of just your workout clothes and maybe your ABC pants, I am thrilled to announce that this summer we will launch Shepherd’s, a men’s clothing store based out of Kansas City. We are even having conversations about joining a successful chain of funeral homes. Now, that’s one enterprise where you don’t want to think outside the box. Across the board, we are willing to take risks and aim high because we are unapologetically ourselves and we know our purpose. I am excited for the future of MDKeller and know that with those closest to me by my side and a resounding belief that God is in control, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. 

I pray that something I said has resonated with you all and that, no matter what happens from here on out, remember your purpose. 

Focus on meaningful relationships, and know that, with or without the spotlight, your life has value, and you are meant for more. 

Continue to push onward “to the heights.” Thank you.

Biden’s Actions Affecting Oil and Gasoline Prices

 The Biden administration, and especially Press Secretary Jen Psaki, want Americans to believe that they are doing everything they can to lower gasoline prices. But, they are being dishonest. From Biden’s first day in office when he cancelled the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, his Administration has taken steps to increase gasoline prices that currently average over $4 a gallon across the nation. From December 2020 through March 2022, U.S. monthly average unleaded regular gasoline prices doubled. While Biden and his press secretary want to blame the increase on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, gasoline prices were already over $3.50 a gallon before the war even started

Source: https://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/sec9_6.pdf

Biden’s Actions Affecting Oil and Gasoline Prices

On January 20, 2021, besides cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline, President Biden restricted domestic production by issuing a moratorium on all oil and natural gas leasing activities in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He also restored and expanded the use of the social cost of carbon metric to artificially increase the regulatory costs of energy production of fossil fuels when performing analyses, as well as artificially increasing the so-called “benefits” of decreasing production.

On January 27, 2021, Biden issued an executive order announcing a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters and reconsideration of Federal oil and gas permitting and leasing practices. He directed his Department of Interior to conduct a review of permitting and leasing policies. Also, by Executive Order, Biden directed agencies to eliminate Federal fossil fuel subsidies wherever possible, disadvantaging oil and natural gas compared to other resources that receive Federal subsidies.

By the end of January 2021, average gasoline prices were 7 percent higher than in December 2020 averaging $2.326 a gallon for the month.

On February 19, 2021, Biden officially rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, which is detrimental to American fossil energy, while propping up oil production in Russia and OPEC and increasing the dependence of Europe on Russian oil and natural gas. It also benefits China, who dominates the supply chain for critical minerals that are needed for wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle batteries.

By the end of February 2021, average gasoline prices were 15 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $2.496 a gallon for the month.

On March 15, 2021, Biden’s Securities and Exchange Commission sought input regarding the possibility of a rule that would require hundreds of businesses to measure and disclose greenhouse gas emissions in a standardized way, hugely increasing the environmental costs of compliance and disincentivizing oil and gas production.

On March 28, 2021, Biden’s Treasury Department released its Green Book that provide Biden’s FY 2022 revenue proposals, including nearly $150 billion in tax increases directly levied against the oil and gas energy producers.

By the end of March 2021, average gasoline prices were 29 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $2.791 a gallon for the month.

On April 16, 2021, at Biden’s Direction, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland revoked policies in Secretarial Order 3398 established by the Trump Administration including setting “American Energy Independence” as a goal; establishing an “America-First Offshore Energy Strategy;” “Strengthening the Department of the Interior’s Energy Portfolio;” and establishing the “Executive Committee for Expedited Permitting;” among them.  These actions set the stage for the unprecedented slowdown in energy activity by the Department of Interior, steward of 2.46 billion acres of federal mineral estate and all of its energy and mineral resources.

On April 22, 2021, Biden issued the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan to funnel international financing toward green industries and away from oil and gas.

On April 28, 2021, Biden’s EPA issued a Notice of Reconsideration that would propose to revoke a Trump-era action that revoked California’s waiver for California’s Advanced Clean Car Program (Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Zero Emission Vehicle Requirements).

By the end of April 2021, average gasoline prices were 31 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $2.839 a gallon for the month.

On May 20, 2021, Biden issued an executive order on Climate Related Financial Risk would artificially increase regulatory burdens on the oil and gas industry by increasing the “risk” the federal government undertakes in doing business with them.

By the end of May 2021, average gasoline prices were 37 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $2.972 a gallon for the month.

On June 1, 2021, Biden’s Department of Interior suspended drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge until the agency completes an environmental analysis of the impact and a legal review of the Trump administration’s decision to grant those leases.

By the end of June 2021, average national gasoline prices were over $3 a gallon. Average gasoline prices were 45 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.154 a gallon for the month.

On July 23, 2021, Biden’s Department of Justice issued its Climate Action Plan, including an effort to “green” the fleet by transitioning to electric vehicles.

By the end of July 2021, average national gasoline prices were 49 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.233 a gallon for the month.

On August 5, 2021, Biden issued an executive order on “Clean Cars and Trucks” that established a new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. The Executive Order also kicked off development of more stringent long-term fuel efficiency and emissions standards. On the same day, EPA issued its Clean Trucks Plan, announcing plans for further transportation emissions regulations targeted at heavy-duty trucks, aiming to shift markets in favor of zero-emission vehicles.

On August 26, 2021, EPA issued a Proposed Rule on Passenger Car Emissions to heighten federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks by setting stringent requirements for reductions through Model Year 2026 to incentivize” technology to “encourage more hybrid and electric vehicle technology.”

By the end of August 2021, average national gasoline prices were 50 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.255 a gallon for the month.

On September 3, 2021, Biden’s Department of Transportation issues a proposed rule that would update the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Model Years 2024–2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks to increase fuel economy regulations on passenger cars and light vehicles. The modeling calculated “fuel savings” by multiplying fuel price with ‘avoided fuel costs’ to disincentivize gasoline by making it more costly to afford ICE cars and trucks.

By the end of September 2021, average national gasoline prices were 51 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.265 a gallon for the month.

On October 29, 2021, the Bureau of Land Management announced the use of social costs of carbon in decision making for approving permits for oil and gas drilling.

On October 30, 2021, the Department of Labor issued a final ESG Rule that would require fiduciaries to consider the economic effects of climate change and other so-called environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when evaluating funds for retirement plans. The rule would strongly encourage fiduciaries to draw capital from domestic energy development in oil and natural gas to renewables.

By the end of October 2021, average national gasoline prices were 56 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.385 a gallon for the month.

On November 2, 2021, Biden administration led a “Global Methane Pledge” to reduce global methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. Neither Russia nor China signed the pledge, increasing the world’s reliance on these two countries for energy-related imports and disadvantaging the U.S. oil and natural gas industry.

On November 4, 2021, Biden committed to “ending fossil fuel financing abroad,” targeting the global fossil fuel industry, thereby disadvantaging them, which increases global oil and gas prices. Further, key countries, like China, did not sign the pledge, so the pledge harms signatories while empowering adversaries.

On November 15, 2021, Biden’s Department of Interior announced plans to withdraw Chaco Canyon from oil and gas drilling for 20 years.

On November 19, 2021, Biden endorsed several oil and gas provisions in the Build Back Better Bill, including a new tax on methane, of up to $1500 per ton; prohibiting energy production in the Arctic and offshore leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Atlantic, Pacific and Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Areas; increased fees and royalties for onshore and offshore oil and gas production; a new $8 billion tax on companies that produce, process, transmit or store oil and natural gas starting in 2023;  limited ability of energy producers to claim tax credits for upfront and royalty payments in foreign countries – amounting to a tax increase on domestic energy producers; and a 16.4 cent tax on each barrel on crude oil – up from 9.7 cents – a $13 billion tax increase on oil production.

On November 26, 2021, Biden’s Department of Interior issued its report on the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Program includes recommendations to raise rents and royalty rates on oil and gas producers.

By the end of November 2021, average national gasoline prices were 61 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.482 a gallon for the month.

On December 8, 2021, Biden issued and executive order on  a  Clean Energy Economy that  would artificially incentivize a push for a 100 percent electric vehicle fleet by 2035 including light vehicles by 2027, carbon-free electricity government-wide by 2030, and net-zero “federal operations” by 2050.

On December 21, 2021, Biden’s Department of Transportation issued its Final Rule revoking Trump era actions which prevented California from arbitrarily becoming the national standard for fuel emissions. The rule set the stage for the administration to reinstate California’s waiver, and, since automakers do not make different cars for different states, the rule would allow California’s radical environmental policies to reach nationwide.

On December 30, 2021, Biden’s EPA issued its Final Rule for increased “fuel efficiency standards.” According to the Final Rule, “These standards are the strongest vehicle emissions standards ever established for the light-duty vehicle sector. The rule, in responding to comments, claims “energy security benefits to the U.S. from decreased exposure to volatile world oil prices” suggesting that decreasing oil and gas production in the U.S. will result in less exposure to the international oil and gas market because they will be disincentivizing vehicles that use oil and gas. The rule also claims that it will result in “fuel savings” entirely due to less use of fuel.

By the end of December 2021, average national gasoline prices were 57 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.413 a gallon for the month.

On January 14, 2021, Biden nominated Sarah Raskin to serve as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve. She was deemed so radical on her belief that fed policy should be dictated by environmental policy that she gained a bipartisan opposition and had to withdraw her nomination.

By the end of January 2022, average national gasoline prices were 57 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.413 a gallon for the month.

On February 9, 2022, a proposed rule on Coal and Oil Power Plant Mercury Standards would revoke a Trump-era rule that cut red tape on coal and oil-fired power generators. This would effectively reinstate Obama-era regulations which sought to increase regulations on coal and oil-fired power plants

On February 21, 2022, the Biden administration paused working all new oil and gas leases on Federal land in response to a judge blocking their arbitrary use of social costs of carbon, unnecessarily hurting domestic oil and gas production.

On February 28, 2022, the Ozone Transport Proposed Rule would expand federal emissions regulations over a wider geographic region and over a wider array of sources, including the gathering, boosting and transmission segments of the oil and gas sector. Integral energy production states like Nevada, Utah and Wyoming would be required to jump through more red tape.

By the end of February 2022, average national gasoline prices were 66 percent higher than December 2020, averaging $3.592 a gallon for the month.

Conclusion

Russia invaded the Ukraine on February 24, 2022. At that point in time, gasoline prices in the United States were over $3.50 a gallon–over a dollar more a gallon than when Biden took office on January 20, 2021– and inching up. 

At the end of March 2022, gasoline prices averaged $4.312 a gallon for the month. But, Biden continued his war on the oil and gas industry in March by refusing to appeal an unprecedented decision to vacate an offshore oil and gas leasing sale held in November 2021; allowing EPA to reinstate California’s emissions waivers that allow the state to set its own greenhouse gas emissions standards, which will likely be adopted nationwide and are sure to make oil and gas vehicles more expensive; and continuing with SEC’s proposed rule that would require public companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and their exposure to climate change, massively increasing environmental costs of compliance and disincentivizing oil and gas production. President Biden’s actions have increased weakness in the United States’ energy policy and harmed consumers reeling from higher prices. The record is clear, even if the explanations of the White House are not.

Article originally appeard on IER 

Not The Onion: Lansing Michigan police won't be responding in-person to most property crimes due to coronavirus

LANSING Michigan— Lansing police officers will not respond in-person to most property and financial crimes until further notice due to COVID-19. 

In order to protect officers and community members during the COVID-19 outbreak, LPD will not respond in-person to take reports on the following crimes: 

• Larceny, malicious destruction of property and retail frauds with no suspect or evidence, or where the value is under $1,000

• Attempted breaking and entering of unoccupied buildings, including garages and foreclosed houses

• Identification thefts where the victim was not financially harmed or the financial institution has reimbursed the victim for the loss

• Fraud of unauthorized credit card use when the venue of the crime is outside Lansing

• Harassing communications

• Lost property

Dispatch will direct the community to complete property crime reports online, using the LPD application or by telephone. All crimes will still be investigated. 

Police will still respond in-person to all calls involving violent crime. 

Lansing Police Department released a new application where community members can submit tips and receive crime alerts. It also allows people to file a police report.
Lansing Police Department released a new application where community members can submit tips and receive crime alerts. It also allows people to file a police report. (Photo: Courtesy of Lansing Police Department)

The LPD application can be found in the app store by searching "Lansing Police." The app gives crime alerts, event notices and allows the community to submit real time tips. Users can also chat anonymously with an LPD employee. 

Residents can also use the Lansing Connect application to report non-emergency issues to city officials. Reports on disabled vehicles, parking complaints, trash complaints, streets and traffic and pedestrian signals can be submitted there.

FLU MORE DEADLY THAN THE CORONA VIRUS

So far the Flu has been more deadly than the coronavirus. 

Flu activity across the U.S. has increased over the last three weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

Flu was widespread in Puerto Rico and 48 states. In Hawaii, Oregon, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the outbreaks were less active. (Source: CDC)
Rates among children and young adults remain higher than in recent flu seasons.

A total of 78 influenza-associated deaths in children have been reported so far this season. That’s an increase of 14 since last week’s report.

The CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 12,000 deaths, 22 million illnesses and 210,000 hospitalizations from flu.

Flu was widespread in Puerto Rico and 48 states. In Hawaii, Oregon, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the outbreaks are less active..

It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu after your vaccination.

The CDC said it expects flu season to continue through February.

Climate Change Bullies Are Using Insurance Companies To Shut Down Companies That Don't Comply With Their Demands

Climate change activists are using insurance companies to stop insuring companies that use or produce fossil fuels.  

On Dec.  13, 2019, insurer Liberty Mutual announced a new policy that restricts coal insurance and investing.

Just two months after activists launched a campaign against Liberty Mutual for the company’s role in fueling the climate crisis, the insurer has announced a new policy restricting coal insurance and investing.

The news comes as the global climate movement sweeps across the insurance industry. Numerous protests and media coverage have placed immense public pressure on some of the world’s largest insurers to abandon policies that perpetuate climate change. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, coal is considered the single biggest contributor to global warming.
According to a news release, Liberty Mutual stated that it will not insure new risks for companies with more than 25% exposure to coal; will phase out existing coverage to such companies by 2023; and will end new investments in companies that generate at least 25% of their revenue from coal mining or produce at least 25% of their power from coal. The company also appointed its first chief sustainability officer, Francis Hyatt, who will lead the company’s Office of Sustainability and oversee environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and initiatives.

“We are committed to being a responsible global corporate citizen with a focus on environmental sustainability, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and investing in companies that show proven progress in this evolution,” Hyatt said in a statement. “We understand the shift from coal to clean energy is a journey, and we recognize the role the insurance industry plays in supporting that evolution for our customers. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that companies take an active role in advancing their ESG agendas, and I look forward to partnering with internal and external stakeholders around the world to help drive positive impact in society.”
This new policy makes Liberty Mutual, which has $8.9 billion invested in fossil fuel companies and utilities, the third U.S.-based insurer and 18th  global insurer to adopt restrictions on coal coverage and investments.

Rainforest Action Network’s (RAN) Energy Finance Campaigner Elana Sulakshana, who participated in a staged protest outside Liberty Mutual’s New York City office in October, said in a statement: “In response to a groundswell of public pressure, Liberty Mutual has taken a first step towards reducing its role in fueling the climate crisis. But the company still lags far behind what the science says is necessary, and does not match best practice among U.S. and global peers … While Liberty Mutual’s new policy sets out strong restrictions on insuring coal companies, it apparently does not rule out covering new coal-fired power plants or coal mines from companies with less than a 25% stake in coal … Liberty Mutual must strengthen its policy to clearly rule out insuring any new coal mines or power plants, fully phase out coal across all insurance and investment activities in line with 1.5ºC, and stop insuring the destructive tar sands sector.”

New Holiday Week: Patriot Week Gets Bi-Partisan Support

U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Kennedy (R-LA) applauded Senate passage of a bipartisan resolution they introduced designating September 11th through September 17th as Patriot Week. Cofounded by Judge Michael Warren of Oakland County, Michigan, Patriot Week would honor the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks, celebrate

Judge Michael Warren / Oakland County Michigan

Constitution Day on the 17th and encourage students to learn more about the history of the United States. 

“I’m pleased that the Senate passed my bipartisan resolution designating this week as Patriot Week,” said Senator Peters. “A national week of remembrance allows us to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 and pay tribute to the courageous sacrifice of the first responders and  provides an opportunity for future generations of students to learn more about the leaders and events that helped shape the American story. I am thankful for all the work Oakland County Judge Warren has done to champion this important cause, and I was proud to partner with him and Senator Kennedy on this resolution.”

“Today is a fitting time to celebrate the strength of the American spirit,” said Senator Kennedy. “All of us remember where we were on 9/11 when the planes hit the towers and the Pentagon because it was clear that our country was under attack. Even this nation’s capital, the site of so much American history, wasn’t spared. We can’t forget 9/11 or any chapter in American history. Collectively, they tell a story that shouldn’t be forgotten.”

“As a grassroots organization started when my then 10 year old daughter Leah pounded on a table and demanded a new celebration for America, we are deeply honored that the United States Senate has officially recognized Patriot Week,”

Leah Warren

said Patriot Week co-creator Judge Michael Warren. “We invite all Americans to join us as we renew America’s spirit by celebrating the First Principles, Founding Fathers and other patriots, vital documents, and speeches and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history.”

“In this time of division and rancor, Patriot Week is a nonpartisan initiative that reminds us of the Constitution and foundational first principles that unite us as Americans,” said Jennifer Grieco, President, State Bar of Michigan. “By deepening our appreciation for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the struggle for the rule of law and liberty, Patriot Week is sorely needed to help renew the spirit of America.”

Through the advocacy of Judge Warren and his organization, over ten states have officially recognized Patriot Week with official gubernatorial proclamations and legislative resolutions. Peters, is a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and he volunteered to serve again after the attacks on September 11th.

Learn more about Patriot Week here: https://www.patriotweek.org/

Meadows, Tlaib hug after dispute over race in Cohen hearing

Two lawmakers who clashed bitterly over race hugged it out Thursday on the House floor.

Reps. Mark Meadows of North Carolina and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan embraced and chatted for almost a minute as the House took its final votes of the week. It was a striking sight after the pair fought during Michael Cohen’s hearing a day earlier. There, Meadows tried to rebut Cohen’s charge that President Donald Trump is a racist. Behind Meadows stood a longtime Trump family friend, Lynne Patton, who is black. Meadows said Patton would not work for anyone racist.

Tlaib suggested Meadows’ use of Patton as a “prop” was itself racist, but later said she was not accusing Meadows of being a racist.

On Thursday, Meadows approached Tlaib on the House floor and offered a hand. She stood, put a hand over her heart as she spoke to him, and then threw an arm around his shoulders as the two embraced.

“She said she didn’t mean it yesterday, so there was no need to apologize,” Meadows said afterward on Thursday.

The upheaval came at the end of a day-long hearing in which Cohen testified that, among other things, Trump said black people are “too stupid” to vote for him.

Meadows, one of Trump’s staunchest supporters in Congress, said he’s never heard the president say anything racist. At one point, Patton, who now works at the Department of Housing and Urban Development stood behind him. Meadows said she would not work for anyone racist, but she’d work for Trump.

Tlaib, the last member to speak, made her remarks about Meadows’ move and the two got into a shouting match. Meadows said he has family members who are African-merican.

Chairman Elijah Cummings got them to settle down and urged Tlaib to clarify that she was not calling Meadows a racist.