Believe it or not, there are all sorts of animals brought up on organic farms all over the U.S. I have seen some interesting choices of animals along with pretty good reasons to raise them on farms. Just the other day I  drove past a small farm that had cows, sheep and two camels. I couldn’t believe my eyes and had to find out why this little farm in the southern United States had camels. I decided to do some research on non-traditional farm animals and compiled this list of reasons why they’re beneficial to raise on farms. Non-Traditional Farm Animals | 10 Uncommon Animals Found on The Farm 1. Camels Talk about non-traditional farm animals! When we think of camels, we usually picture them in a desert scene. Some farmers in the U.S. are actually raising them, though. I found out that camel’s milk is considered a superfood. It’s the closest to human milk than any other animal’s milk. Their milk is rich in B vitamins, iron and many other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to humans. Even people that are lactose intolerant can drink camel’s milk, so it is being looked into further as a substitute. 2. Crayfish Crayfish are also known as mudbugs, crawfish and crawl-dads. It turns out that adding freshwater crayfish to your pond is beneficial in more than one way. If you don’t have a pond – no worries! You can raise them in fresh water aquariums, too. Crayfish are pretty decent filter feeders, so they help filter the water and can somewhat control algae and weeds. It’s a win-win situation if you enjoy the taste of these miniature lobsters. Harvest these babies when they’re abundant, and you’ll have a tasty feast AND a cleaner pond.  3. Prawn These little fresh water shrimp are moneymakers. Think about it, as a farmer who is miles away from an ocean, wouldn’t it be great to produce freshwater shrimp for yourself and your community? No ocean, no problem. Prawns can go right into your pond or an aquarium. There are actually huge farms designed specifically to raise them.  4. Mangalitsa | This Hungarian breed of pig is becoming a new favorite for many reasons. They look like tiny sheep with a pig’s face, feet and tail. Their fur makes them more cold hardy than other breeds, as well as, making them adorable. The meat has a nice marble to it and a wonderful flavor that master chef’s request. They make great free-range animals because they love to forage and dig grubs.  5. The Minis These animals are perfect for those of you who are farming with limited space or for those who just love miniature animals. You can raise mini cows, horses, goats, sheep, oxen and the well-known Bantam chicken. The miniatures are good for farmers who can’t handle a 2-ton creature. They’re also great for the little ones who want to learn.  6. Ostrich In some Natural Food stores you will find ostrich legs. If you’ve seen them, then you know that they’re huge. A lot of people in the U.S. raise ostriches for the massive 5-pound eggs they lay. One ostrich egg can feed almost 10 people. It equals close to 2 dozen chicken eggs. 7. Emu The emu is also farmed for the size of its eggs. Their eggs are a little smaller than ostrich eggs, but they still equal almost a dozen chicken eggs. The emu’s eggs are used for artwork. They have a beautiful green exterior, a blue interior and a white base. Many artists like to etch and carve these eggs.  8. Angora Goats These goats have beautiful flowing fur similar to an angora rabbit. Farmers raise these goats specifically for their fur. Every 6 months a goat can be sheared, and its fur is sold at various prices. White hair will sell for anywhere from $3- $12 a pound and colored hair will sell for $10-$20. The hair from the younger goats is finer, so it is used to make clothing and things of that nature. The older goat’s hair is used for upholstery and carpet. 9. Llamas Similar to the angora goat, the llama is raised for its fur. Their outer hair is coarse so it makes great rope and carpet. The inner hair is finer and used for clothes etc. 10. Alpacas Here’s one last furry animal. Alpacas produce finer fur for fiber than a llama. They also have a softer fleece that is good for blankets, clothing and apparel. Alpacas have very colorful fur to work with.  Farms have expanded above and beyond what they used to be. You’ll find more than cows, sheep and horses on farms nowadays. These 10 uncommon animals are just a few of a long list of non-traditional farm animals. If you were interested in this list, you can find other lists of exotic, strange, unusual and rare breed animals by the dozen from gator farms to reindeer farms! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) perceive the world differently. This means they can face a number of challenges that others do not find difficult. From social interactions to sensory processing disorders, people with ASD can often struggle with day-to-day activities. With these challenges and struggles, navigating through life can be difficult. But dogs, considered to be man’s best friend, can make the journey a little easier. Dogs can be beneficial to people with autism with the emotional support, companionship, comfort, and structure they provide. In this article, we’ll talk about autism and dogs – and how our furry friends can positively affect the life of an individual with autism. What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, acts, and interacts with others. It is called a “spectrum” simply because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, skills, level of impairment or disability. And the extent and nature of these challenges vary from one person to another. Miridda / Shutterstock.com Autism is considered a lifelong developmental condition. And individuals with autism can also encounter problems such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 1 in 36 children to be on the autism spectrum. Key Characteristics Of Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD can start early during a child’s development. And for individuals with ASD, the following are key characteristics that affects how they perceive the world around them. 1. Difficulty In Social Communication Individuals with autism usually find it difficult to communicate and interact with people around them. Examples of communication struggles include: Avoiding or difficulty maintaining eye contact Difficulty understanding and responding to verbal and non-verbal communication Challenges in understanding social cues Trouble initiating or maintaining conversations and connections with people Not showing facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, etc. Difficulty sharing interests with others 2. Repetitive And/Or Restricted Behaviors or Interests: Individuals with Autism also have behaviors or interests that seem unusual for others. Examples of these repetitive or restricted behaviors or interests include: Lining up toys or objects and getting upset when “order” is changed Repeating words or phrases over and over Doing repetitive movements such as hand-flipping, rocking, etc. Being intensely focused on specific topics or interests Getting upset to changes in their routine or environment 3. Sensory Sensitivities Individuals with autism might have sensitivities to the following: Sights Sounds Smells Tastes Touch Textures They can either have hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) that can lead to discomfort, stress, or even meltdowns. 4. Delayed Skills Individuals with autism develop skills slower than their companions, especially as children. These delayed skills include: Delayed language skills Delayed movement skills Delayed cognitive or learning skills The Importance Of Interventions Alena Lom / Shutterstock.com These key characteristics are what makes navigating the world challenging for individuals with autism. And while there is no “cure” for autism, there are methods to positively intervene and support them in their functioning. These interventions are important because they help address the challenges associated with autism. Therefore, promoting personal growth, independence, and overall improvement in the quality of life. Furthermore, these interventions also help provide emotional support, encourages social interaction, and enhances communication skills. Dogs As The Perfect Companions For Individuals With Autism Dogs are called man’s best friend for plenty of reasons. But what makes them the perfect companions for individuals with autism? Well, for one, they’re non-judgmental creatures. They never discriminate between humans based on what they look or where they come from, as long as you are nice to them. Furthermore, dogs offer unconditional love, support, and loyalty – things that individuals with autism who may struggle with social interactions need. Dogs are also scientifically proven to be good for our over-all health. For example, a new study found that playing with dogs doesn’t only relieve our stress, but also helps us concentrate better. So, who would be better companions for individuals with autism than dogs? The Positive Effects Of Dogs On Individuals With Autism It might be a dog’s super power to be able to establish bonds with people, no matter the disability or problem. And for people living with autism, there are many positive effects to this. So, without further ado, here are six ways dogs positively affect individuals with autism: 1. Providing Emotional Support And Stability Egrigorovich / Shutterstock.com Time and time again, science has proven that dogs are invaluable to us, hoomans, especially to our emotional and mental well-being. A study found that 77% of adults with autism can suffer from depression and anxiety. And with the help of dogs, individuals with autism can better manage their mental health. Furthermore, it has been proven that incorporating a service dog into a family with a child with autism have shown a decrease in anxiety and anger and an increase in calmness. Not only that, but another study found that dogs are also able to help families of children with autism reduce parental stress. 2. Fostering Independence Going outside, running errands, or riding on public transport can all seem overwhelming for individuals with autism. But with a dog, they can feel a lot calmer, confident, and safe. So, individuals with autism and dogs are more likely to stay focused and engage in impulsive behaviors when out and about. Over time, this helps individuals with autism become more independent that will later open more opportunities for them to confidently engage with their community and environment. Furthermore, the fact that individuals with autism and dogs have to care for another living being fosters responsibility and independence in them. 3. Enhancing Social And Communication Skills Daniel Megias / Shutterstock.com Research shows that children with autism and dogs perform better in social situations and are able to express themselves a lot better. They are also able to exhibit behaviors such as sharing and empathy when they have a dog with them. Aside from helping develop social skills, individuals with autism are able to enhance their language and communication skills as they start to speak, play, and communicate with their pet. Additionally, hoomans naturally love and are drawn to dogs! So they make great and easy conversation starters. 4. Providing Stability And Consistency Individuals with autism and dogs have this thing in common: the love for routines and consistency! Just like people with autism, dogs love routines. They love to be fed at the same time, walked at the same time, and go potty at the same time – every day! So, for individuals with autism, this will provide them with the consistency and stability they need. 5. Helping Improve Physical Health alexei_tm / Shutterstock.com Dogs don’t only help improve the mental well-being of individuals with autism, but these four-legged friends also help keep them physically fit! As part of their routine, individuals with autism can take their dog out for a walk or play fetch with it. This in turn will burn off excess energy, which is especially helpful for those with ADHD. Furthermore, exercising is proven to release Endorphins (aka “happy hormones”) that affects overall happiness and demeanor. 6. Providing Sensory Support Dogs are also great at providing sensory support for individuals with autism. With their presence alone, dogs can bring a level of calm in moments of hypersensitivity or anxiety. Autism And Dogs: Factors To Consider When Choosing The Ideal Dog There is no doubt that dogs have a profound impact on our lives. And this is especially true for those with autism. ChiccoDodiFC / Shutterstock.com However, when choosing a dog for an individual with autism, there are important factors to consider to ensure that both individual with autism and the dog are a suitable match for each other. These factors include: Dog’s Temperament and Personality: A dog’s temperament and personality will determine how effective they are as a companion. They must be calm, patient, gentle, and intelligent. And they must have the natural willingness to bond with and provide comfort to an individual, especially when they need it most. Dog’s Size And Energy Level: While some individuals with autism will benefit from a highly-active and big dog, others, especially children, may want and need a smaller dog that is less intimidating and a lot easier to care for. Type Of Dog: It is important to identify what type of dog an individual with autism will need. Will they need a dog that is trained and certified to perform tasks to help ease their handler’s disabilities? Then a service dog is what they need. Or will they need a dog that will be able to cater to their handler’s psychological and emotional needs? Then a therapy dog is perfect! Or will they simply need a friendly, loving, and easygoing presence in their life that will give them the love and attention they need? Then a family companion is what they’re looking for! While dogs are invaluable to individuals with autism, not all will benefit from having a dog. So, it’s important to assess and consider the abovementioned factors before deciding to get a dog. Furthermore, while having autism is not to be taken lightly, owning a dog can also be a big responsibility. Conclusion Life for individuals with autism can be challenging in many ways. And with dogs, they may find a companion that will provide them with the love, support, and stability they need as they navigate through life. Dogs are friends for life. Regardless of what or who you are, they will love, support, and be loyal to you without judgement.

New York MTA Approves $65 Billion Plan (With No Way to Pay For It)

How Radical Is Tim Walz? His School Curriculum Advisor Wants to 'Overthrow' America

If there is one issue that Big Tech particularly displays bias in censoring, it is the pro-life issue. That’s what MRC President Brent Bozell and The Daily Wire senior reporter Mary Margaret Olohan discussed during a Wednesday episodeof The Brent Bozell Show. Bozell stated that Big Tech companies are “passionate” about silencing anyone who opposes abortion, a statement that Olohan supported with examples from her own experience. Olohan said she once caught Facebook taking advice from abortion advocates on what to censor on the platform. When asked about how serious Big Tech censorship of pro-life content online has become, Olohan did not hold back. “I think the two big issues that Big Tech has been targeting groups for are gender ideology and abortion,” Olohan affirmed. “Lately, I see more gender ideology, but I honestly just think that's because it's more in the news. Abortion has taken a little bit of a backseat in terms of political rhetoric on the right[.] I will say I have written so many stories about Big Tech censorship of pro-life groups, of any kind of abortion messaging.” She highlighted a concerning phenomenon: the media is not pressing Big Tech on pro-life-related censorship. “It’s so funny to me because there's so few reporters who are willing to reach out to, let's say Google or Facebook/Meta, and say, ‘Hey, I noticed you censored this video. Can you explain why? What's the reasoning?’”  Yet, Olohan has found that “nine times out of ten, when I reach out to a Big Tech platform and say, ‘Why'd you censor this video,’ they'll say, ‘Oh, this was inappropriately censored, or this was a human error and [we’ll] reinstate it.’ And I kind of laughed to myself, because I'm like, ‘Okay, it's so easy for me to get someone reinstated just by saying, Why did you do this?’” She cited an example of pro-life group Live Action being censored on Facebook for a video explaining that abortion is never medically necessary. “Facebook slapped them with a label, and I think they were getting a strike, and there was this whole massive mess there, but there was no one actually reaching out to Facebook,” Olohan said.  In the course of her own reporting on the topic, however, she “I found out that the people that told them to censor it were literally abortionists, abortion researchers … . Abortionists are helping censor pro-life content on Facebook.” Bozell agreed that pro-life groups do not always defend themselves proactively from Big Tech’s ceaseless attacks. “I've had many conversations with pro-life groups to try to explain to them the importance of this issue, and the importance of public opinion and how public opinion is being turned against them, simply because they're not focused on defending themselves,” Bozell ended. Recent examples of Big Tech censoring pro-lifers include Google deplatforming pro-life activist Trudy Perez-Poveda in July 2024, and Facebook applying a fact-check label to a Tucker Carlson interview of pro-life protestor Paul Vaughn in April 2024. Conservatives are under attack. Contact your representatives and demand that Big Tech be held to account to mirror the First Amendment while providing transparency, clarity on “hate speech” and equal footing for conservatives. If you have been censored, contact us using CensorTrack’s contact form, and help us hold Big Tech accountable.

Here’s a story the liberal media won’t cover: Leftist soda giant Coca-Cola seems to have made it clear where its political loyalties lie for the 2024 election, and it may have violated federal election law in the process. When MRC researchers attempted to customize a “Personalized 12 fl oz. Can of Coca-Cola” on the company’s website at 2:04 p.m. on Sept. 25, the phrase “President Harris” was permitted as an acceptable prompt for a can. However, when MRC researchers entered “President Trump,” the company auto-denied the request and left an eye-opening message: “Looks like the name you requested is not approved. Names and phrases may not be approved if they are trademarked, political in nature, names of countries, celebrities, religious figures, as well as anything that could be considered offensive for other reasons.” Apparently “President Harris” didn’t fall into any of these categories.  Is that right, Coca-Cola? Is “President Harris” not considered “political in nature” by the Coca-Cola website algorithm as opposed to “President Trump,” or is Coke just preventing Trump because he’s a celebrity and a politician, which would be convenient if the company was trying to give one campaign a boost before the November elections?  MRC also found that the company tentatively allowed “Harris Walz 2024” as an acceptable prompt at 12:40 p.m. but auto-denied “Trump Vance 2024.” MRC Business immediately reached out to Coca-Cola for an explanation on the discrepancy in political treatment of “Harris Walz 2024” vs. “Trump Vance 2024.” After reaching out, MRC Business then attempted to buy the “Harris Walz 2024” can but was met with an update that the order was “Canceled.” In addition, the “Harris Walz 2024” prompt was subsequently auto-denied. Is this perhaps because the company got caught?  .@CocaCola's custom can website allows you to use "Harris Walz 2024" but restricts you from using "Trump 2024" because it's "political in nature" or "offensive." Care to explain @CocaCola? pic.twitter.com/sr37epWhdn — Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 25, 2024 Unlike “Harris Walz 2024,” “President Harris” didn’t have a “pending review” watermark over the can, which means it was permitted for purchase. MRC Business ordered the “President Harris” can, and was met with an emailed response of “Approved!” “There are serious questions about potential in-kind contribution law violations that Coca-Cola needs to answer here,” MRC Business Vice President Dan Schneider, a lawyer, said in a statement. “Under federal election law, corporations are forbidden from direct contributions to political campaigns and must disclose the value of expenditures advocating for or against the elections of political candidates.” MRC Business explored other prompts that made the case on Coca-Cola’s leftist political bias even more damning, such as when it allowed “Biden Harris 2024” to be entered “pending review.” In addition, Coca-Cola auto-denied “Trump Won” or “Go Trump” for its cans but tentatively allowed “Harris Won,” “Go Harris” and “Trump Lost.” Even more shocking is that  the website tentatively permitted “Kill Trump” to appear on its can. But it doesn’t stop there. The website permitted — “pending review” — grossly anti-American phrases like “Allah Bless Iran” and “God Bless China” but auto-denied “God Bless America.” MRC recorded snapshots of all prompts used and all website's responses in this report. For a woke company that once held a training seminar in which its employees were told to “try to be less white,” going all-in for Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign and allowing anti-American bile appears par for the course. What makes Coca-Cola’s potential election interference even more chilling is that it was considered in 2020 to be the sixth most powerful company in the world, and the media aren’t going to cover it. We know that the media won’t cover this story because they haven’t even bothered to properly cover Harris’s policy positions to inform voters of her radical views. A new Media Research Center poll of 1,200 people found that large majorities of registered Democrats and Independents who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 are mostly unaware of the numerous controversial and radical positions Harris has taken—and that’s precisely because the media are covering it up. The Coca-Cola Company did not respond to MRC’s inquiries as of the publication of this report.  Conservatives are under attack. Conservatives are under attack. Contact ABC News (818-460-7477), CBS News (212-975-3247) and NBC News (212- 664-6192) and demand they report on Coca-Cola’s blatant political bias in favor of Harris.     

A passenger was fatally shot aboard a hijacked metro bus in Los Angeles after midnight Wednesday as the suspect held the driver at gunpoint and police gave chase.Officers began receiving radio calls about a potential assault with a deadly weapon on a bus near in south L.A. around 12:45 a.m., KTLA-TV reported, citing Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Donald Graham.While the suspect was taken into custody, the station said the motive for the shooting was not known.Authorities learned that a person aboard the bus pulled out a gun, which prompted the bus driver to activate a panic button that displays a “CALL 911” message on the bus' exterior, the station said.Officers found the bus stopped near West 117th Street and South Figueroa Street, but when police got close to the bus, it began moving, after which a pursuit was on, KTLA said.Police told the station the suspect was holding the bus driver at gunpoint.“Clearly, he was under duress and under the threat of violence … for him to be able to keep his composure is a reflection on the bus operators in the system,” Graham later noted to KTLA in regard to the bus driver.Officers deployed spike strips, which flattened the bus’ tires, the station said, adding that the pursuit ended after roughly an hour at East 6th Street and South Alameda Street in downtown L.A.SWAT officers then deployed a flash-bang device, which allowed the bus driver to escape by climbing through a window, KTLA reported, adding that cops said SWAT officers also rescued a passenger who wasn't seriously hurt.However, another victim was found aboard the bus suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, the station said, adding that Graham said the unidentified victim was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.Investigators believe the hijacker shot the victim before the police pursuit commenced, KTLA noted.While the suspect was taken into custody, the station said the motive for the shooting was not known.L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn — who's also chair of the LA Metro Board of Directors — called the incident a “nightmare” but praised the bus driver's actions, KTLA said.Hahn also calling for more to be done to protect the Metro system, the station said: “We need ways to prevent people from bringing weapons onto our Metro buses and trains, and the sooner we can find solutions to prevent tragedies like this, the better."You can view a video report here about the incident.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Electronic Arts' Dragon Age: The Veilguard has received swift backlash from female game enthusiasts who are upset over the game's lack of femininity.Typically, a video game wouldn't be prioritized for how much it appeals to women, but in the case of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, developers have seemingly gone out of their way to reject feminine qualities regarding female characters.Ahead of its October 31 release, EA and subsidiary BioWare showcased the game's character creator for the world to see. In yet another rush to show off how inclusive a game can be, BioWare revealed that the customization features include diverse gender options.'The new Dragon Age is a game focused on transsexuals.'In a video uploaded to X, pronoun options are provided, including "they/them." Gender options are also added, including "nonbinary."The same video revealed a more shocking option, the ability to show off mastectomy scars. Gamers can select on or off for "top surgery scars," which specifically refers to transgender surgeries. This is in addition to a second, more general option for scars on the player's body."You can call yourself a Lamborghini and choose they/them nonbinary pronouns. But that's not all! Players can now customize female characters' chests and add top surgery scars," the caption for the video read.On the same day, game designer Mark Kern also showcased the option for the skin disease vitiligo and the ability to add cellulite."These are obvious fetish self-inserts being foisted on gamers," Kern wrote.Female gamers quickly realized that the ability to feminize their characters was incredibly limited, forcing them to create masculine women even when maxing out the female characteristics.A popular gamer who goes by MadamSavvy complained that despite being just 108 pounds, she wasn't able to achieve anything close to her female likeness in the game."I am a 108 lb woman who sits for 15+ hours a day ... and you're telling me this is your 100% on the bum slider?" she wrote, attaching screenshots of the options pushed to limit.Another gamer named "Packer Girl" called the game misogynistic for not allowing feminine attributes while including the transgender surgery scars:"[This] misogynistic development team is full on body shaming big breasted women for what? to be inclusive?" she wrote.Natalya Sirinova was far less cordial in her critique of the game."The new Dragon Age is a game focused on transsexuals, she males, psychiatric disorders, crazy people, deviants, [and] hormone pill users," the angry gamer wrote."[You can make] your 'female' character stronger and more ripped than He-Man, without being able to give her breasts [while having] the option of making visible the scars of radical bilateral mastectomy."The developers seemingly have no qualms about pushing radical gender theory through its game. In June, director Corinne Busche revealed that all the companions in Dragon Age will be pansexual and able to interact romantically with each other. Busche also confirmed that the game would show nudity.Busche, a transgender person himself, described himself on the BioWare website as a "queer trans woman.""I transitioned during my time at BioWare," Busche wrote. "I reflect all the time on how supported and seen I felt through that process, and how lucky I am to be surrounded by people of this caliber. It really speaks to the values of this team, and their commitment to inclusion in their works and their lives."That Park Place reported that after news circulated of the pansexual direction of the game, Busche made his X page private and removed his activist-themed bio. This included references to his preferred pronouns, being a "Trans Woman," calling himself a "Queerosexual Gendermancer," and hashtags in support of "TransRights" and "BlackLivesMatter."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The late great Christopher Hitchens was an undeniable intellectual force — and, unfortunately, some of his darkest predictions are coming true. “Give it up or give it to your deadliest enemy and pay for the rope that will choke you,” Hitchens said in a 2009 interview. “This is very urgent business, ladies and gentlemen.” “I beseech you, resist it while you still can, and before the right to complain is taken away from you, which will be the next thing. You will be told you can’t complain because you’re Islamophobic. The term is already being introduced into the culture as if it was an accusation of race hatred,” he continued. “The barbarians never take a city till someone holds the gates open for them. And it’s your own preachers who will do it for you, and your own multicultural authorities who will do it for you. Resist, resist it while you can,” he added. Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” is floored. “Christopher Hitchens warned his country, he was warning the entire world, but he was warning his country — resist it while you can,” Rubin says, noting that Democrat politicians are now openly discussing how “they’re going to censor misinformation.” “You might go, 'Oh, it doesn’t really make sense that these gender queer weirdos are working together with the Hamas people except if their goal is complete and total power.' Then it actually does make perfect sense, and that really is where we are at,” he adds. Want more from Dave Rubin?To enjoy more honest conversations, free speech, and big ideas with Dave Rubin, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

Some Springfield residents are too afraid to voice their concerns about the influx of 20,000 Haitian nationals over fears they will be labeled as racist or intolerant for wanting to preserve their community, Bill Monaghan, a former journalist, told Blaze News' Julio Rosas.Monaghan told Rosas that the plan to relocate tens of thousands of Haitians into the area started long before residents even realized it — in 2014, when the city launched the "Welcome Springfield" initiative. While local officials believed the plan would solve the city's population decline, without a strategy in place to assimilate new arrivals, the area is now facing a number of issues.'Being ignored and being called racist is, I think, a big part of the reason why people are concerned about talking.'"It's happening all over. It's not just Springfield," Monaghan noted. "To me, this battle was lost before we knew we were even in one."Republican presidential nominee and former president Donald Trump has brought more attention to the Springfield area over the past month after he and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance (R), stated that Haitian nationals were eating the local wildlife and pets.Monaghan took Rosas to a nearby park this week, where he said ducks used to congregate, but now there are none."This pond used to be full," Monaghan stated. "They don't migrate; they lived around here. So, they were all wiped out, and I was told it was by Haitians who eat them. Don't know if that's true or not, but it got me curious what was going on."Monaghan explained that the claims prompted him to start attending city hall meetings to learn about what was happening in his community."I was just really struck by how hateful and dismissive they were toward people who were raising concerns about other issues around the migrant crisis," Monaghan said of the city leaders. He told Blaze News that he had expected to spend the rest of his life in Springfield but noted that he is now actively considering moving because of the issues caused by the influx of immigrants. Some of the most concerning problems facing the community include rising rental costs, increases in traffic accidents, and overwhelmed emergency services, he said.Rosas asked Monaghan whether some residents are afraid to voice their concerns out of fear of retaliation from city leaders, such as being labeled as racist or hateful."That's a huge concern people have because you can see it," Monaghan said, adding that the city's leaders have largely ignored residents' concerns."They ignore you. They insinuate that your concerns are based in some sort of misplaced racial antipathy when people are raising, again, issues like lack of affordable housing, lack of housing at all, jobs that aren't posted locally that are being basically hired out through temp agencies that have contracts to bring mass migrants into Springfield," he remarked."Being ignored and being called racist is, I think, a big part of the reason why people are concerned about talking," Monaghan remarked. Monaghan told Rosas that locals "are losing their homes." He explained that residents fortunate enough to keep their homes are spending more because of rising rental costs.Until recently, Monaghan helped manage a Facebook group called "Stop the Influx Into Springfield, Ohio," which is comprised of locals concerned about mass immigration. Monaghan told Blaze News about one business owner who is a part of the Facebook group and does not want to draw too much attention to the concerns about the immigrants over fears of retaliation.He also noted that one of the women in the group has said that her grandson requires special education services but that he is unable to obtain them because "Haitian children have filled up those slots.""The issues are real," Monaghan added.According to Monaghan, the city has failed to properly integrate the Haitian nationals into the community. Rosas asked Monaghan to share some of the community's cultural concerns."The reckless driving is a huge one," he continued. "It's a more misogynistic kind of culture."Monaghan noted that some local women have reported being followed around in stores by Haitians. He said some of the immigrants tend to be intimidating toward others by encroaching on their personal space. "I've seen that, and you just don't behave that way here. You don't walk around the store with your cellphone just blasting. You don't walk around the store eating fruit out of the bins and throwing your trash on the ground. You don't relieve yourself in public," Monaghan explained. "Again, not all Haitians, but a lot of them don't seem to have any interest in our social norms around here. So, it makes it kind of a tough fit." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!