President Joe Biden is harder on America’s allies than he is on pro-Hamas radicals on American college campuses‚ Senate Republicans said at a press conference on Wednesday. “Joe Biden is putting more pressure on Israel these days than he is on Hamas itself‚ or on the pro-Hamas chapters on America’s campuses‚” Sen. Tom Cotton‚ R-Ark.‚ said at the Capitol Hill event. Biden recently criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Israel’s continued fighting in Gaza and for not doing more to open up avenues of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Cotton said that he wasn’t surprised by Biden’s gentle approach to the anti-Israel protestesters‚ given that “antisemitic elements” had been growing for years within the Democratic Party under Biden. The Arkansas lawmaker called the encampments that have sprung up on American campuses “little Gazas” and defined them as “disgusting cesspools of antisemitic hate‚ full of pro-Hamas sympathizers.” The press conference followed up on a letter that a group of 27 Republican senators sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in April‚ demanding that they take action to investigate incidents of rioting and violent antisemitism on college campuses‚ which they say violate federal law. Since that letter was sent‚ there have been numerous significant and escalating incidents at American universities. A riot took place at UCLA on Tuesday night between pro- and anti-Israel demonstrators‚ for instance‚ after the school refused the break up the encampment on campus. Cotton demanded that federal agencies take action to prevent the violence and chaos taking place and said that the administration must defund schools that “won’t protect the civil rights of their Jewish students.” Sen. John Kennedy‚ R-La.‚ said that Biden could stop what’s happening on college campuses “on a dime” by threatening to pull federal funding from universities and putting pressure on them to break up the out-of-control demonstrations. Kennedy said that Biden has been soft on this issue because he’s afraid to “alienate the Hamas wing of the Democratic Party.” Sen. Rick Scott‚ R-Fla.‚ said that there are quite a few Jewish families in his state “that have their kids in these schools up north‚ and I think most of them are having to rethink the safety of their kids.” He said that the families are “scared to death” for their children’s safety. Scott pointed to what’s happening at Columbia University in New York‚ which has been the site of a number of violent mob incidents‚ and said that it represented something “un-American” and “disturbing.” The Florida senator said that university administrators have been “wimps” who cower before “anti-Israel‚ antisemitic” behavior. Scott said that Biden is afraid to go after these schools because he fears he will lose votes. “He’s fine getting the pro-Hamas crowd to vote for him‚” he said. Fox News reported that White House spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement on Tuesday: President Biden has stood against repugnant‚ antisemitic smears and violent rhetoric his entire life. He condemns the use of the term “intifada‚” as he has the other tragic and dangerous hate speech displayed in recent days. President Biden respects the right to free expression‚ but protests must be peaceful and lawful. Forcibly taking over buildings is not peaceful. It is wrong. And hate speech and hate symbols have no place in America. Cotton‚ Kennedy‚ and Scott were joined at the news conference by GOP Sens. John Cornyn of Texas‚ Joni Ernst of Iowa‚ James Lankford of Oklahoma‚ and Roger Marshall of Kansas. The post Biden Is Harder on Israel Than on Campus Pro-Hamas Radicals‚ GOP Senators Say appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Read the Room‚ Biden

China Uses Water Cannons (Again) on Philippines' Ships

Gaga's Father Attacked at his Church: &;quot;I Can't Tell You What I Did to Him&;quot;

The most complete and well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton discovered since the turn of the millennium has been used to reconstruct the face of its owner – a female member of the extinct human lineage who lived around 75‚000 years ago. Found within the iconic yet controversial Shanidar Cave – where Neanderthals repeatedly buried their dead‚ possibly on beds of flowers – the skeleton features in a new Netflix documentary entitled Secrets of the Neanderthals.First discovered in the 1950s in Iraqi Kurdistan‚ Shanidar Cave has yielded some of the most remarkable Neanderthal finds in the entire archaeological record‚ including the remains of at least 10 separate individuals. Of particular interest are the funerary practices evidenced within the cave‚ which have contributed massively to our understanding of Neanderthal cognition and transformed the popular perception of this ancient species from primitive brutes to complex thinkers.For instance‚ at least five individuals appear to have been interred in a cluster behind an enormous rock‚ suggesting the spot held special significance and was therefore chosen as a burial ground by multiple successive generations. In the 1960s‚ clumps of pollen were discovered around one of these skeletons‚ giving rise to the idea that Neanderthals may have laid floral tributes to the deceased.“We can see that Neanderthals are coming back to one particular spot to bury their dead‚” said Dr Emma Pomeroy from the University of Cambridge in a statement. “This could be decades or even thousands of years apart. Is it just a coincidence‚ or is it intentional‚ and if so what brings them back&;#63;”The recently discovered female has been labeled Shanidar Z and was located within the cluster buried behind the monolith‚ her skull crushed beneath a rock. Analysis of the remaining teeth indicated that she died in her mid-40s and may therefore have been respected and revered due to her advanced age.  After excavating the body‚ researchers painstakingly removed‚ scanned and reassembled the flattened skull in order to create a model of the ancient woman’s face. According to Pomeroy‚ this highly delicate work required immense care since the bone was “similar in consistency to a biscuit dunked in tea‚” its softness making it difficult to handle without damaging it.The recreated head and reconstructed skull of Shanidar Z.Image credit: BBC Studios/Jamie Simonds“The skulls of Neanderthals and humans look very different‚” she says. “Neanderthal skulls have huge brow ridges and lack chins‚ with a projecting midface that results in more prominent noses. But the recreated face suggests those differences were not so stark in life.”“It’s perhaps easier to see how interbreeding occurred between our species‚ to the extent that almost everyone alive today still has Neanderthal DNA‚” she adds. Indeed‚ recent research has helped to reveal the many similarities between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals‚ highlighting how the latter mastered fire‚ cooked food‚ and created art.Returning to Shanidar cave‚ the notion of the Neanderthal &;quot;flower burial&;quot; has recently been challenged by evidence suggesting that the pollen was actually introduced to the cave by nesting bees. Nonetheless‚ the remains found at the site paint the ancient hominids as empathetic and emotionally evolved creatures‚ with one disabled individual showing signs of having received ongoing care throughout his life.“Neanderthals have had a bad press ever since the first ones were found over 150 years ago‚” said Professor Graeme Barker‚ leader of the excavation. “Our discoveries show that the Shanidar Neanderthals may have been thinking about death and its aftermath in ways not so very different from their closest evolutionary cousins – ourselves.”

Ex-NPR senior editor Uri Berliner appeared again on Chris Cuomo's NewsNation show on Tuesday night. “I think that really‚ NPR has a lot of soul searching to do about representing the country at large. Being a publicly funded news organization and really trying to represent this country in all its great diversity and viewpoints.” It should seem obvious that NPR is impervious to &;quot;soul searching&;quot; since they didn't want Berliner to work there any more after he raised his questions about viewpoint diversity. Cuomo asked about morning host Steve Inskeep and then other people at NPR saying Berliner &;quot;cherry-picked&;quot; his stories and got it wrong. &;quot;Do you think in retrospect that you should have done anything different&;#63;&;quot; Berliner said no‚ &;quot;not at all. You know‚ I think even in our news in NPR newsroom‚ since the story was published‚ they've decided to institute regular reviews of coverage‚ which I think is a positive sign. I also think there's a conversation in this country that's happening within the media‚ but also more broadly about the really sad level of trust of the media and the extent to which narratives are imposed in newsrooms‚ whether they are legacy media and they're left leaning or whether they're coming from the right‚ and I think there's a large group of people that are tired of it‚ and are just calling out the media for doing things that are increasing the polarization in this country‚ so I don't regret -- I don't have any regrets.” Cuomo said &;quot;I was moved that the media left this story alone‚&;quot; and they didn't want to have a real examination of NPR's content. &;quot;What does it mean for you going forward&;#63; &;quot; BERLINER: Well‚ I you know‚ I think there was that there was some a lot of positive stories‚ including‚ interestingly‚ from college newspapers supporting what I said‚ and saying it's vital. And‚ you know‚ and from reporters and columnists around the country‚ and I would say this story lasted a lot longer than I expected it to. I thought‚ you know‚ I would write this and there would be pushback in the newsroom and it would be‚ you know‚ be over in a couple of days. You know‚ the head of the newsroom [Edith Chapin]‚ criticized the story‚ I think she did it in a fairly respectful way‚ I was suspended five days without pay. I didn't object to that I didn't seek a grievance from the union. And I thought it was gonna go away after that. But then the new CEO‚ Katherine Maher‚ she injected herself into the newsroom‚ and she attacked me publicly and personally‚ and I think that extended the story‚ especially when people started finding out more about her views‚ not just the tweets‚ you know about America‚ being addicted to white supremacy‚ or criticizing Hillary Clinton for using the words [inaudible]. More importantly‚ videos that surfaced where she talked about the First Amendment being a challenge and a tricky thing when you're trying to suppress information. This is when she was running‚ Wikimedia‚ which oversees Wikipedia. And I think that really extended the story a lot.” Cuomo expressed amazement that the serious complaints within NPR were about wanting to take it further to the left‚ not further to the center. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new pro-abortion ad this week‚ and it’s so cringeworthy and full of nonsense that it's almost painful to watch. “Alabama’s abortion ban has no exceptions for rape or incest. Now‚ Republicans are trying to criminalize young women’s travel to receive abortion care. We cannot let them get away with this‚” Newsom wrote in a tweet on X that accompanied his ad. The ad shows two young women attempting to cross state lines when they’re pulled over and asked to take a pregnancy test by a police officer. “This isn’t parody‚ okay. This isn’t SNL. This is an actual ad released unironically from Gavin Newsom on abortion‚” Sara Gonzales says‚ shocked. “These people are not serious people‚” she adds. “What are you thinking‚ you colossal bunch of morons&;#63;” Matthew Marsden agrees‚ “but it’s California.” The ad was released as Newsom is set to propose legislation to make it easier for women from Arizona to seek abortions in California and offer Arizona abortion providers an expedited way to get licensed in California. “They’re preparing to accept an influx of patients from these women who are escaping these mean red states who are making it harder for them to kill their babies. Those mean conservatives who just want it to be like 'The Handmaid's Tale‚'” Gonzales mocks. “It’s just that‚ like‚ it’s a live human being inside of you‚ and we’d prefer it to be alive‚” she adds. Want more from Sara Gonzales&;#63;To enjoy more of Sara's no-holds-barred take to news and culture‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

Open Doors‚ the watchdog group born of an effort to smuggle Bibles into communist-occupied Poland‚ indicated in its latest annual report that one in seven Christians worldwide faces &;quot;high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.&;quot; That amounts to over 365 million Christians with targets on their backs. Things appear to be getting progressively worse‚ granted five years ago‚ the statistic was one in nine. The 10 worst countries for Christians are reportedly North Korea‚ Somalia‚ Libya‚ Eritrea‚ Yemen‚ Nigeria‚ Pakistan‚ Sudan‚ Iran‚ and Afghanistan in that order. While a Christian faces a good chance of torture‚ imprisonment‚ rape‚ and death on account of their faith in any one those oppressive nations‚ supposedly civilized countries further up the rankings are not much better. China's 96.7 million Christians‚ for instance‚ have in recent years been subject to harassment‚ torture‚ detentions‚ and executions. Since Christianity is regarded as a foreign threat to the communist regime‚ churches are frequently desecrated‚ destroyed‚ or closely surveilled. In India‚ anti-Christian attacks have spiked‚ frequently executed by Hindu nationalists. According to the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India‚ numerous pastors and and believers have been arbitrarily detained and savagely beaten while their churches are wrecked‚ especially in Uttar Pradesh. Christian persecution is not just a foreign phenomenon. It's a problem in the United States as well and — according to another watchdog group — poised to worsen. Forbidden prayers Jeff King‚ president of the Washington‚ D.C.-based International Christian Concern recently suggested to the Christian Post that American Christians are right to get their hackles up. &;quot;Basically‚ we are frogs in the kettle‚ and the bubbles keep coming up under us‚&;quot; said King. &;quot;Too many people are not aware politically‚ and they're so used to thinking of how things were that they can't figure out where these bubbles are coming from‚ not realizing they're being cooked.&;quot; King's sense that things are getting worse in the U.S. is reportedly informed‚ in part‚ by Staci Barber's case in Texas. Barber is a teacher who has spent the past eight years of her 26-year teaching career at the Katy Independent School District near Houston. According to her lawsuit against the district‚ filed in March on Barber's behalf by the American Center for Law and Justice‚ she desperately wanted to create a chapter of Students for Christ at Cardiff Junior High‚ having previously sponsored a chapter at Alief ISD. The principal‚ Scott Rounds‚ allegedly shut her down on multiple occasions. However‚ in the 2023-2024 school year‚ Barber and some Christian students prevailed in starting a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter‚ which Rounds apparently reluctantly approved. In September‚ there was a prayer event on campus called See You At The Pole‚ which was scheduled to take place before school hours. Ahead of the event‚ Rounds allegedly sent out a memo stressing &;quot;district personnel shall not promote‚ lead‚ or participate in the meetings of non-curriculum-related student groups.&;quot; The principal apparently also sent an email to Barber‚ stressing that she could not take part as she would be &;quot;on campus visible to students in [her] role as an employee.&;quot; Barber ultimately met at the pole to pray before work hours on Sept. 27‚ 2023‚ and was joined by two other teachers. According to the complaint‚ the principal chastised Barber and &;quot;forbade the teachers from praying in the presence of students‚&;quot; indicating the purpose of the prohibition was to avoid the risk of students potentially joining in. Following the prohibition‚ Barber apparently faced more antagonism from the administration. &;quot;The Supreme Court has made it clear that student and teacher prayer‚ including prayer at SYATP events‚ is undisputedly a protected form of speech that school officials may not ban‚&;quot; says the lawsuit. The American Center for Law and Justice said in a statement‚ &;quot;The primary goal of this lawsuit is to ensure that the school amends its policy to reflect what the Constitution actually requires. This school policy strips teachers and school employees of their fundamental right to express their faith freely‚ and must be struck down. We need your support in our legal battles for your right to pray.&;quot; King told the Christian Post that Barber's case not only &;quot;highlights the depth of ignorance among school boards and even at the principal level of what rights the Constitution grants people&;quot; but also a wider hostility toward Christians. &;quot;The big picture‚ and what people need to grasp‚ is that's what's going on here in the West‚ and that's what a lot of people who dislike Christianity are proposing and trying to push forward‚&;quot; said King. Hated for His name's sake King suggested that countries whose leaders are antipathetic toward Christianity and enjoy influence over a politically weaponized judicial system can suppress Christians' speech and even prompt them to withdraw from public debate. The president of the watchdog highlighted how India‚ for instance‚ has religious freedom in its constitution‚ &;quot;but it doesn't matter.&;quot; &;quot;It's what happens in practice‚&;quot; continued King. &;quot;And so when pastors are often attacked in the streets or in the churches‚ guess who gets arrested&;#63; It's the pastor. What happens is you keep your head down. So this is what we're seeing in the States.&;quot; &;quot;People learn that you do not stick your head up‚ and you start being quiet because the process is the punishment‚&;quot; added King. Extra to an increasingly antagonistic justice system‚ King suggested that Christians face legislators keen to shut them up or handcuff them linguistically. He cited as examples hate speech legislation in other Western nations as well as Democrats' proposed Equality Act. The Equality Act‚ which resembles in spirit the recent Title IX rewrite announced by the Biden Department of Education‚ would have defined sex to include gender ideology. &;quot;It's strategic‚ it's banana republic‚ and these are political enemies of Christianity‚&;quot; said King. &;quot;They've gained power‚ and they're using the very laws‚ the very power of democracy‚ to go against their political enemies.&;quot; While anti-Christian forces are advancing in legislatures and courts around the country‚ they are also active on the streets. Arielle Del Turco‚ director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the Family Research Council‚ noted in a February report that between 2018 and 2023‚ there were at least 915 acts of hostility against American churches. The attacks ranged from vandalism and arson to bomb threats. Blaze News previously highlighted Turco's finding that between January and November 2023‚ there were at least 436 such attacks — eight times as many as there were in 2018 — such that 2023 ended up being the worst of all six years reviewed by the FRC. The FRC observed 315 incidents of vandalism last year; 75 arson attacks or attempts; 10 gun-related occurrences; and 20 bomb threats. Tony Perkins‚ president of the FRC and a former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom‚ said of the observations in the report‚ &;quot;There is a common connection between the growing religious persecution abroad and the rapidly increasing hostility toward churches here at home: our government's policies.&;quot; In the way of a remedy‚ King thought beyond legislation or politics‚ stating‚ &;quot;This really comes down to revival‚ and it starts with us personally.&;quot; &;quot;We've all got to turn back and cry to the Lord about not the political state of our country‚ but the religious state‚&;quot; said the watchdog. &;quot;We desperately need revival‚ and that all starts with us personally looking to the Lord and saying‚ 'Call me back and I'm completely yours‚ whatever you would have me do. All of my life is yours.'&;quot; Like Blaze News&;#63; Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here&;#33;

1990s nostalgia has quickly expanded from the pleasant memories inside a Gen Xer or Millennial's mind into a gigantic economy. No stone has been left unturned to squeeze every penny out of nostalgia addicts‚ collectors‚ or even gamers; and they couldn't be happier about it.The world wide web is riddled with '90s nostalgia pages with millions of followers‚ offering glimpses into the past that remind us of a time that seemed like it was free of global conflict‚ political divide‚ or any emotional trauma. It's a world where footage of people shopping at a mall in 1996 is watched by 560‚000 viewers in just eight months.The nostalgia hits so hard that a video of nothing but 1990s commercials reached 1.5 million views in just three months.Perhaps nothing stands out more in the mind‚ however‚ than a trip to Blockbuster Video. The smell of the popcorn‚ the wall-to-wall coverage of new releases‚ and the eye-burning pleasure of playing new video games before they come out.Even Blockbuster pop-ups have become a thing‚ visiting Los Angeles‚ New York‚ and other locations. Netflix also saw fit to release a documentary on the last surviving Blockbuster franchisee‚ which has become a tourist destination in Bend‚ Oregon.Why Blockbuster&;#63; &;quot;Blockbuster represented 'community‚'&;quot; says James Keyes‚ chairman and CEO of Blockbuster‚ Inc. from 2007-2011.&;quot;It provided an opportunity to gather and to explore. It also‚ to many‚ represented a childhood tradition … [of] making it a 'Blockbuster night‚'&;quot; Keyes continued. &;quot;It was all about the experience of having access to entertainment that had previously been relegated to the theater experience.&;quot;Blockbuster allowed you to see your favorite movies at home‚&;quot; he added.The ‘90s were an incredible time to be a teenager. You knew your friends’ phone numbers by heart‚ you walked to Walgreens to get your film processed from silly pics you took at summer camp. You could let your generalized teen angst out with some Smashing Pumpkins‚ but really‚ nothing in society warranted true concern.— Jennifer Boardman‚ copy editor for Blaze NewsThe feeling of that experience has turned out to be quite lucrative‚ and plenty of new experiences are capitalizing on it. For example‚ an entire video game studio was developed for the genre. Combining the love of retro with the sanctity of physical media‚ Limited Run has produced physical copies of over 1‚000 games‚ the latest of which was a sold-out run of a game based on the &;quot;Rugrats&;quot; cartoon. The company released original Nintendo cartridges‚ along with VHS collector's editions for the '90s-inspired game.In a much larger scope‚ we can see the nostalgia market at play in the experience genre. Along with the aforementioned Blockbuster pop-ups‚ the 2025 Universal Epic Universe theme park plans on capitalizing on that same market. The park will include a Super Nintendo World‚ one of many themed experiences already popular in Japan. A friendly reminder that when you used to rent videos from us. We didn\u2019t care who you shared it with\u2026 As long as you returned it on time. @netflix — (@) What made the '90s so ... '90s&;#63;&;quot;Why were the '90s great&;#63;&;quot; asks Blaze News senior editor Dave Urbanski. &;quot;Incredible music. Nirvana‚ Pearl Jam‚ Soundgarden‚ Alice in Chains‚ Stone Temple Pilots‚ Smashing Pumpkins. ...They don't write 'em like that anymore.&;quot;&;quot;Back when trans-fat was the only trans we knew‚ we would make crank calls on a public telephones then wander over to the arcade at the public swimming pool‚&;quot; added writer Joe MacKinnon. &;quot;After dinner‚ which was probably as delicious as it was unhealthy‚ we watched the 2-day rental due back yesterday‚ never once worrying about what was happening outside our fair city.&;quot;The obvious ingredient in the nostalgia genre is Americana. This is also apparent to Keyes‚ who served as the 7-Eleven CEO from 2000-2005. That iconic American brand stands out for many reasons‚ he explained.&;quot;With its ability to keep pace with change ... the brand stands for the American Dream‚&;quot; the executive told Blaze News. He noted that franchisees have come from over 130 countries to participate in the American project and leverage entrepreneurial power with the scale of a global corporation.Also key to an American franchise‚ Keyes added‚ is the ability to implement technology to keep up with consumer needs. &;quot;7-Eleven is highly nimble and uses technology to respond – in real time – to changes in everything from weather to consumer trends‚&;quot; he said.The reason I can tell the 90s were so great is that during every decade of my life‚ some portion of it has been devoted to returning to the 90s and appreciating more about it. If I could time travel‚ the 90s would be the decade I'd be returning back to the most.Today‚ the great artists of the world are just nomads roaming around a post-apocalyptic wasteland.— Cody Clarke‚ filmmakerWhile the new marketplace for the '90s may be in full swing‚ Keyes doesn't believe that certain verticals can return‚ particularly DVDs and CDs. When asked specifically about Taylor Swift's recent monster sales of vinyl records‚ the CEO pointed to a key difference in the medium.&;quot;Vinyl represents an actual improvement in quality versus most digital experiences; hence‚ the popularity with music aficionados. DVDs do not represent an incremental improvement in quality versus most streaming; therefore‚ the return of DVD popularity is unlikely.&;quot;In response to a possible comeback for physical copies of games or movies‚ Keyes simply said‚ &;quot;Not a chance.&;quot; James Keys‚ former Blockbuster &; 7-Eleven CEOGen Z &; the futureThe possibility of replicating‚ in any sense‚ the feeling of the past seems nearly impossible. Many attribute this to social media's ability to reach every corner‚ allowing for very little exclusivity or mystery.&;quot;Before social media‚ you went weeks or months over the summer not seeing your friends‚ and then finally saw them at school. Now‚ you're constantly stalking each other. I think it was the last time I truly missed someone‚&;quot; said &;quot;Shallow End&;quot; podcast host Katherine Krozonouski. She and cohost Natasha Biase pointed to a time free of political correctness and overstimulation. &;quot;Growing up in the '90s was a real blessing‚ there was an overall sense of unity that’s lacking in our culture today. Gen-Z kids are on their phones all day‚&;quot; Biase added.Social media‚ lockdowns‚ and a lack of connection have caused a void in work ethic among the latest generation‚ UFC President Dana White has said.Or‚ to quote him directly: &;quot;This next generation is just such a f***ing group of p***ies‚ man. For the small group of savages out there‚ run these f***ing kids over man‚ run them all over.&;quot;Entertainment writer Christian Toto added that &;quot;cultural rot&;quot; at the collegiate level has sunk in‚ and &;quot;outraged citizens&;quot; are too focused whipping up cyber-mobs with just a few clicks.Keyes does not see it that way.&;quot;I disagree with those who are disparaging of the next generation. Are Gen-Z workers different from Baby Boomers&;#63; Of course&;#33; Just as the Boomers were different from the generation before. Change equals opportunity and 'different' isn’t necessarily 'worse.'&;quot; Without dating myself too radically‚ the 90s were a simpler time. I think we peaked with snake on the Nokia. Seinfeld was amazing‚ pre-Lebron basketball was worth watching‚ and the 90s models cars were a sight to behold.\n\nAlso Wu-tang. — (@) The &;quot;Education Is Freedom&;quot; author said that the generation armed with the &;quot;power of technology&;quot; has the opportunity to transform the future of humanity.&;quot;I have confidence in them&;#33;&;quot; he said.Keyes' advice for new entrepreneurs&;#63; Don't focus on public policy or ideas‚ &;quot;focus on satisfying the customer.&;quot;&;quot;America is obsessed with policy and too often paralyzed by fear of change. We worry about tax increases and tax decreases. We worry about tiny minimum wage increases AND minimum wage insufficiency. The reality is that commerce is about adaptation. Those who are able to adapt will succeed. Those who complain about policy often wallow in blame and victimhood while those who adapt will win.&;quot;Like Blaze News&;#63; Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here&;#33;

Alex Stein had one goal as he ventured onto the campus of Sacramento State: find and join a pro-Palestinian protest encampment. While the protesters ended up being less than thrilled to see his friendly face and were not very good at sharing their tents‚ he did have some interesting interactions‚ to say the least. As Stein ventured through the encampments‚ he found himself face to face with many students who identify as transgender or nonbinary. “Don’t you think it’s kind of weird being a trans person protesting for Palestine&;#63; Doesn’t it seem hypocritical&;#63;” He asked one student who was wearing a mask. “I’m not even hating. I’m celebrating your transgenderism‚ but don’t you think that’s kind of weird that they would probably treat you very poorly&;#63;” While the protester gave no comment‚ another protester‚ also wearing a mask‚ showed Stein his middle finger as the Palestinian flag billowed across him in the wind. While Stein continued to ask how the protesters felt about the treatment of gays in Palestine‚ they continued to stand strong‚ masked and silent. However‚ when Stein went to leave this particular group‚ they began following him in silence. “Everybody’s just mute‚” Stein observes. “I’m happy they’re all following me.” There were a few students from outside the protest who did have something to say. “I’m scared of freedom of speech now. I’m scared to say something and then next thing you know I’m going to get kicked out of the school‚” one student tells Stein. “What do you think about the gay people that are trying to protest for Palestine&;#63;” Stein asks him. “I think we should care about America first‚” he answers. Want more from Alex Stein&;#63; To enjoy more of Alex's culture jamming‚ comedic monologues‚ skits‚ and street segments‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.