The Deceptions of the Press and the Why of the Poll

 Leslie Manookian critiques a New York Times article about medical freedom legislation in the United States. It argues that the Times misrepresented the views of health freedom advocates and claimed a lack of public support for their initiatives. In response, Manookian's organization commissioned its own poll to show high support for medical freedom.

1. Misrepresentation by The New York Times: The article from the Times described those advocating for medical freedom as politically isolated and dangerous. It mischaracterized the aims of health freedom advocates and relied on misleading polling data.

2. Commissioned Poll: To counter the portrayal in the Times, the Health Freedom Defense Fund and the Brownstone Institute commissioned a poll that demonstrated a significant majority of public support for medical freedom, informed consent, and transparency.

3. Lack of Context in Reporting: The Times article ignores important historical context, particularly the public’s experience with COVID-19 mandates, such as employer pressures to get vaccinated, mask requirements, and censorship during the pandemic.

4. Polling Issues: The Times used specific polling methods that limited the scope, focusing only on swing district voters and not representing wider public sentiment. The polls cited did not address individual rights versus government coercion effectively.

5. Changing Attitudes Toward Vaccination: Recent polls indicate a growing skepticism towards vaccine mandates, especially in light of experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents express intentions to delay or refuse vaccinations.

6. Questionable Sources: The Times quoted an activist with ties to pharmaceutical companies without noting their affiliations, raising questions about the objectivity of the claims made.

7. Misleading Historical References: The article made strong claims about vaccination's role in reducing child mortality, overlooking other significant factors like sanitation and living conditions that also contributed to mortality declines in the early 20th century.

8. Focus on Individual Rights: The main goal of the group advocating for medical freedom is to support the principle of individual choice regarding health decisions, emphasizing informed consent without coercion or mandates.

Manookian argues for the importance of recognizing the public's supportive stance on medical freedom. The analysis highlights how the media can misrepresent public sentiment and downplay historical contexts that shape current health policies. It calls for a reevaluation of individual rights concerning medical decisions and urges transparent, unbiased reporting on these issues. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/the-deceptions-of-the-press-and-the-why-of-the-poll/

The Media Is Already Guilt-Tripping Americans to Accept Iran War Refugees

 The media is increasingly urging Americans to accept refugees from the ongoing Iran War. This pressure is evident just weeks into the conflict.

• A recent segment by MS Now highlights Afghan refugees stranded in Qatar due to the chaos of the Iran War.

• The narrative emphasizes an emotional appeal, showcasing the plight of families affected by violence. The story shifts from individual suffering to a broader argument about American responsibility.

• Viewers are told that refusing to help these refugees could harm U. S. credibility and national security, implying that a lack of action would make future partnerships difficult.

• The United Nations has estimated that up to 3.2 million people are displaced in Iran, a number likely to rise, with many Afghan refugees being returned to an unstable environment.

• The media frames these refugees as early victims of the conflict, setting the stage for future discussions on immigration and refugee policies as the war unfolds.

The media's focus is shifting towards framing the refugee issue not simply as a humanitarian concern but as a matter of national interest and security amidst the Iran War. 

https://substack.com/home/post/p-191264063

O’Keefe Media Group Releases Undercover Video Exposing a California Elections Fraud Cash for Ballots Scheme – DOJ Responds

 The O'Keefe Media Group conducted an undercover investigation in Los Angeles, revealing a scheme involving election fraud linked to cash payments for voter signatures. The investigation raised serious questions about the integrity of the election process in California.

1. Undercover Footage: Investigators posed as homeless individuals on Skid Row and discovered that petitioners paid between $7 to $10 for signatures, with some making up to $1,000 a day.

2. Fraudulent Practices: The footage showed instances of cash, cigarettes, and marijuana being offered in exchange for signatures on election-related petitions. Many petitioners were unaware of the actual purpose of the petitions.

3. Encouragement of False Information: It was reported that California NGOs were promoting the use of fake addresses for individuals to register to vote, which constitutes a felony at both state and federal levels.

4. Government Response: U. S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized that providing false information on voter registration forms is a federal crime. The Department of Justice intends to pursue those involved rigorously.

5. Local Officials Aware: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, California Secretary of State’s office, and Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the situation. A Newsom spokesperson stated that anyone participating in such activities should face full legal prosecution.

The findings from the O'Keefe Media Group raise significant concerns about election integrity in California, highlighting illegal activities that undermine public trust in the electoral process. The outcomes of this investigation may influence future legal and regulatory actions related to voter registration and election procedures in the state. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/03/breaking-okeefe-media-group-releases-undercover-video-exposing/

Federal Government Cannot Implement Sweeping Funding Freeze: Appeals Court

 A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court decision preventing the Trump administration from freezing state funding.

• The U. S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled on March 16 that the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” by pausing funding.

• Judge David Barron noted that the OMB did not consider the impact on states relying on these federal funds.

• An initial directive from the OMB ordered agencies to assess programs based on Trump’s policies as of January 27, 2025.

• U. S. District Judge John McConnell had earlier blocked the freeze, stating the executive branch couldn't unilaterally suspend federal funds.

• Although the OMB withdrew its directive, legal challenges continue due to evidence of actions taken to freeze funds after the withdrawal.

• The court upheld McConnell’s order for the government to maintain certain payments, but some grant payments were left out of the injunction.

The ruling reinforces the necessity for the government to consider recipients' reliance on federal funds, rejecting the Trump administration's freeze as unjustified. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/federal-government-cannot-implement-sweeping-funding-freeze-appeals-court-5999844

US Confirms Tesla–LG Energy Solution's $4.3 Billion LFP Battery Plant In Michigan

 Tesla and LG Energy Solution are partnering to build a $4.3 billion battery cell manufacturing facility in Lansing, Michigan, with production set to start in 2027. This project aims to enhance U. S. energy security and support domestic supply chains for battery production.

• The facility will produce LFP prismatic battery cells for Tesla's Megapack 3 energy storage systems.

• This initiative is part of the Trump administration's "American energy dominance" strategy, announced at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial in Tokyo.

• LG Energy Solution plans to boost its battery production capacity in North America to over 30 GWh by the end of 2026.

• Tesla's Megapack 3 is designed to store and stabilize energy for power grids, with a lifespan of 25 years.

• The project is part of a broader effort to enhance U. S. energy exports and supply chains, with investments exceeding $56 billion in various energy sectors.

The Lansing facility represents a significant investment in domestic battery manufacturing and energy storage, contributing to a more resilient energy supply chain in the U. S. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/us-confirms-tesla-lg-energy-solutions-4-3-billion-lfp-battery-plant-in-michigan-5999845

How The GOP Can Stop Being The Do-Nothing Party And Offer America A Vision To Vote For

 Jim DeMint, a former Senator, reflects on the current state of the Republican Party and its leadership in Congress. He expresses concerns about the lack of vision and direction among Republicans, suggesting they have lost their way due to political pressures and compromises.

1. Inside vs. Outside Perspective: DeMint, observing from outside Congress, sees an increasing divide between socialist Democrats and Republicans who compromise their values.

2. Media and Polling Pressure: Congressional Republicans often yield to media narratives and public opinion polls, distancing themselves from their original conservative principles.

3. Foxhole Mentality: Long-term members of Congress develop a “foxhole mentality,” losing sight of campaign promises and falling into groupthink, which leads to weak leadership and direction.

4. Lack of Unified Vision: DeMint argues that the Republican Party lacks a cohesive vision for America, contrasted with Democrats who generally share a unified goal of a more centralized government.

5. Puzzle Exercise Analogy: DeMint shares a strategic planning analogy using puzzle pieces to illustrate how politicians need a clear vision (“box top”) to organize their policies effectively. Without this vision, progress is slow and chaotic.

6. Diminished Republican Vision: The author points out that many Republicans compromise on core principles, as seen when some Republicans supported extending Obamacare subsidies, which aligns with Democratic policy goals.

7. Call for Recapturing Vision: DeMint believes Republicans and the public can reclaim a unified vision based on liberty and limited government. Achieving this requires a consensus on policy frameworks that uphold constitutional values.

8. Need for Political Climate Change: He emphasizes the importance of creating a political environment that encourages even those with differing views to do the right thing for America.

9. Future Articles: DeMint plans to publish a series of articles aimed at outlining effective policies that reflect the true vision of America.

Jim DeMint argues that for the Republican Party to thrive, it must return to its roots and develop a clear, unified vision of America that prioritizes individual freedoms and limited government. A renewed emphasis on these principles is essential for restoring effective leadership and policy-making within the party. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/17/how-the-gop-can-stop-being-the-do-nothing-party-and-offer-america-a-vision-to-vote-for/

Mainstream media play fast and loose with facts in take down of FDA officials who threaten pharma

 The mainstream media has misreported on FDA officials who have challenged the interests of pharmaceutical companies. It focuses on allegations made against FDA Director Vinay Prasad and the subsequent corrections from media outlets, which highlight concerns about journalistic integrity and the influence of pharmaceutical interests.

• Mainstream Media Errors: The Wall Street Journal reported false claims of sexual harassment against FDA's Vinay Prasad that took three weeks to correct. The report was based on unnamed sources and significantly impacted Prasad's reputation.

• Conflicts of Interest: Another report by the Associated Press inaccurately claimed that FDA official Tracy Beth Hoeg violated conflict-of-interest rules involving a friend. A former Senate investigator contested this, stating that there are no official definitions of a "friend" in such contexts.

• Lack of Accountability: Critics argue that media outlets are not holding themselves accountable for such serious errors, allowing for damaging narratives to persist without proper fact-checking.

• Response from FDA Leadership: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary made public statements supporting Prasad shortly before his departure from the agency, raising questions about the timing.

• Bias and Industry Influence: The article notes that Prasad's efforts to enforce stricter drug approval processes have earned him ire from both pharmaceutical advocates and regulatory critics. It suggests that media portrayals often align with other stakeholders' interests rather than presenting a balanced view.

• Implications for Public Trust: The treatment of FDA officials in the media may harm public confidence in regulatory bodies and the vaccine approval process, particularly amid controversies surrounding COVID-19 vaccine safety.

The article concludes that media misrepresentation of FDA officials poses significant risks, leading to potential conflicts of interest and weakening regulatory scrutiny. It advocates for a more responsible and accurate journalistic approach to ensure that public perception of health regulations reflects reality rather than influenced narratives. 

https://justthenews.com/accountability/cancel-culture/mainstream-media-play-fast-and-loose-facts-take-down-fda-officials