Loudoun County parent Brandon Michon, who went viral last year for torching the school board for its coronavirus shutdown policies, has announced he’s running for Congress in Virginia’s 10th district. The objective: give power back to the parents. 

Michon shared his announcement with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson.

“We’re going to let parents have their voice back,” Michon said. “I’m so happy to be jumping in this race, so happy to represent so many people who may not have the same opportunity or be in a position to speak up. We just want to raise the bar.”

Michon became a viral sensation after telling school board members they “should all be fired from their day jobs” because they were “more inefficient than the DMV.” 

“The garbage workers who pick up my freaking trash risk their lives every day more than anyone in this school system. Figure it out,” Michon said. “It’s not a high bar.”

Parent protester against Loudoun County School Board springboards from viral video into House run https://t.co/ekwfzs9g0t

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 31, 2022

January 31, 2022 at 04:44PM - The First
POWER TO THE PARENTS: Loudoun County Dad Who Torched School Board for COVID Policy Running for Congress
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

A new poll from Rasmussen Reports dropped Monday and it’s not looking good for President Joe Biden —50% of likely voters think Joe should be impeached.

According to Rasmussen, 1,000 likely voters were polled between January 26-27, 2022. The question? “Some Republicans in Congress have endorsed articles of impeachment against President Joe Biden, citing his immigration policy and his failure in Afghanistan, among other reasons. Do you support or oppose impeaching President Biden?”

74% of Republicans, 34% of Democrats, and 42 percent of Independents supported impeachment.

Do you support impeaching Biden? By party:

R – 74%
D – 34%
I – 42%https://t.co/aPuxzET9mp

Sponsored by @RaheemKassam and The National Pulse:https://t.co/R4btoQB6VE#breakingpoll#impeachment@POTUS pic.twitter.com/Zk8q8iT78v

— Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) January 31, 2022

Tough numbers for Joe —but not his worst. In the aftermath of his botched Afghanistan withdrawal, 60% of likely voters supported his impeachment.

“After the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in August, 60% of voters agreed with South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham that Biden deserved to be impeached. If the GOP wins a majority in the House of Representatives in the November midterms, 45% of voters believe it is likely Republicans will impeach Biden, including 22% who think impeachment is Very Likely. Forty-two percent (42%) don’t think Republicans are likely to impeach Biden, including 10% who say it’s Not At All Likely, while another 12% are not sure,” the firm noted.

January 31, 2022 at 03:08PM - The First
NEW POLL – 50% SAY IMPEACH: More Bad News for Biden in the Latest Rasmussen Poll
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Former President Donald Trump has yet to announce a 2024 run —but that hasn’t stopped him from hitting the road in support of the GOP. At a recent event, Trump brought attention to Biden’s border crisis, promising that a GOP Congress will clean up the entire mess.

“With a Republican Congress […] we will shut down Joe Biden’s border disaster, […] we will quickly complete the border wall – it will be done in three weeks, we will end chain migration and we will make sure those admitted to our country share our values,” said Trump.

January 31, 2022 at 11:21AM - The First
SAVE AMERICA: Watch Trump Say GOP Majority Will Shut Down Border Crisis, Finish Wall in 3 Weeks
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Parents are speaking out and lawmakers are listening.

According to a report in the Washington Times, GOP lawmakers have stepped up their efforts to ban the controversial critical race theory from being taught in schools; 56 bills were filed this month, increasing the number to 122 total proposals being considered in 33 states.

“The New York-based PEN America said 12 of the bills have become law in 10 states: Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Arizona enacted two laws, but the state Supreme Court struck down the first on a technicality. Texas combined two of its laws into one,” WT reports.

“Jonathan Friedman, PEN America’s director of free expression and education, said the legislative activity has intensified, with 88 bills live in the current session, compared with 34 in 2021, and multiple lawmakers in the same states drafting versions,” WT adds.

“Either lawmakers feel pressured to keep political promises, or they feel it’s a winning issue they hope to capitalize on in the midterm elections,” Mr. Friedman said. 

CRT is inculcated in school culture,” says Tamra Farah, executive director of MomForce at the nonprofit Moms for America. “It’s psychologically damaging tenets are passed on to kids as teachers remind them that the color of their skins alone makes them oppressors or oppressed and that there is nothing they can do to change that.”

“'…CRT is inculcated in school culture,…Its psychologically damaging tenets are passed on to kids as teachers remind them that the color of their skins alone makes them oppressors or oppressed and that there is nothing they can do to change that.'”https://t.co/4WLHLv8Owm

— Alaska GOP (@akgop) January 30, 2022

January 31, 2022 at 10:59AM - The First
CRT CRACKDOWN: GOP Lawmakers Filed 56 Bills to Ban CRT in the Month of January
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Ian Smith, owner of New Jersey’s Atilis Gym, is running for congress in hopes of unseating Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ). Smith rose to notoriety during the COVID lockdowns, defying Governor Phil Murphy’s orders —Smith was arrested for fourth-degree contempt and obstruction and for violating the disaster control act.

“I am truly excited to have the possibility to serve the people of NJ with a platform focused on liberty, small government, and America First policies,” Smith wrote on Twitter.

This Thursday 2/3 I’ll be formally announcing my campaign for Congress in NJ CD-3 against @AndyKimNJ. I am truly excited to have the possibility to serve the people of NJ with a platform focused on liberty, small government, and America First policies. https://t.co/B4SoD9fDDH

— Ian Smith (@iansmithfitness) January 30, 2022

While Smith is excited over the prospect of serving his country, he knows his history will come up.

According to the Hill, “Smith was sentenced to more than five years in prison in 2007 after driving drunk and killing a 19-year-old, according to NJ.com. He was sentenced when he was 20 years old.

In a video about that accident, posted to Instagram in 2020, Smith said: “What we stand for is far bigger than me. I understand people’s resentment and hatred towards me. All I ask is you listen to the details and make your decision based off of that.”

New Jersey gym owner who defied COVID closures running for US House seat https://t.co/QhFK1K0dkN pic.twitter.com/EKt10YITOP

— The Hill (@thehill) January 31, 2022

January 31, 2022 at 10:34AM - The First
JUST IN: Gym Owner Who Defied COVID Closures in NJ Running for Congress on ‘America First’ Agenda
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas recently met with Border Patrol agents to discuss their frustrations about what’s happening at the southern border —and according to an exclusive report from TownHall, the meeting was a disaster.

“The job has not gotten any easier over the last few months and it was very, very difficult throughout 2021. I know apprehending families and kids is not what you signed up to do. And now we got a composition that is changing even more with Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and the like, it just gets more difficult,” Mayorkas said in a leaked recording.

“I know the policies of this administration are not particularly popular with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, but that’s the reality and let’s see what we can do within that framework,” Mayorkas added.

“An agent pressed Mayorkas on how DHS can reconcile saying border security is the main mission for Border Patrol, yet agents are unable to patrol the border due to the policies the Biden administration has in place. Border Patrol agents are being utilized to process the thousands of illegal immigrants,” TH reports.

“Mayorkas said he appreciated ‘the candor’ and explained he is working to ensure agents have the personnel, funding, and equipment they need to do their job. The agent replied they have been hearing that answer for years.”

Another agent said it has been “’demoralizing’ to see politicians and others ‘demonize’ Border Patrol when they often save illegal immigrants from injury and death. It is a possible reference to the outrage that was started over false claims that agents on horseback were ‘whipping’ people illegally crossing the border in the Del Rio Sector, which included Mayorkas, Vice President Kamala Harris, and President Joe Biden,” TH added.

Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey shared the article on Twitter, calling for Mayorkas to resign:

“Secretary Mayorkas needs to resign NOW — and if he doesn’t, congress needs to dig in. This is the first time Mayorkas made it down to the Arizona border in the year since his Senate confirmation. From what I hear, the Border Patrol Agents were honest with Mayorkas about what’s happening at our southern border. And the truth hurts.”

Secretary Mayorkas needs to resign NOW — and if he doesn’t, congress needs to dig in. 1/https://t.co/K06apXjrNH

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) January 26, 2022

January 31, 2022 at 09:59AM - The First
‘RESIGN NOW’: Mayorkas Gets Torched by Border Patrol, AZ Gov Says Resign Now
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tested positive for COVID-19 Monday morning, confirming his diagnosis on social media.

“This morning, I tested positive for COVID-19. I’m feeling fine – and I’ll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines. Everyone, please get vaccinated and get boosted,” posted Trudeau on Twitter.

This morning, I tested positive for COVID-19. I’m feeling fine – and I’ll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines. Everyone, please get vaccinated and get boosted.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 31, 2022

The politician’s illness comes less than one month after receiving his booster injection.

“Got my booster shot this morning. To everyone out there who’s gotten their shots, and to the health care workers who are getting these shots into arms, thank you for doing your part. And to anyone who’s eligible but hasn’t yet been vaccinated or boosted, please, do that now,” wrote the Prime Minister on January 4^th.

Got my booster shot this morning. To everyone out there who’s gotten their shots, and to the health care workers who are getting these shots into arms, thank you for doing your part. And to anyone who’s eligible but hasn’t yet been vaccinated or boosted, please, do that now. pic.twitter.com/X5Qjm5h7NZ

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 4, 2022

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

January 31, 2022 at 09:49AM - The First
BREAKING: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tests Positive for COVID-19
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki sparked a major backlash on social media Monday after she openly laughed at Americans concerned with politicians being “soft on crime,” asking “What does that even mean??”

“If you look at Fox on a daily basis… Do you remember the four boxes we have on all of our TVs… On Fox, is Jeanine Pirro talking about soft-on-crime consequences. What does that even mean, right? There’s an alternate universe on some coverage. What’s scary about it is that a lot of people watch that,” said the Press Secretary.

Jen Psaki mocks people discussing the “consequences” of “soft-on-crime” policies: “What does that even mean?” pic.twitter.com/C1KEnXVIQI

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 31, 2022

Watch Psaki’s comments above.

January 31, 2022 at 09:29AM - The First
JEN MOCKS AMERICA: Psaki Laughs at Americans Upset With Leaders Being ‘Soft on Crime’
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Last week, as Uncle Sam sent millions of at-home COVID tests to American homes, many realized that a good portion of the tests were made in China. Fox News host Bill Hemmer put the administration on blast live on television.

“I got mine yesterday,” Hemmer said, holding up the orange kit. “All four of them came. Congrats U.S. government. U.S. Postal Service did a great job. Got my four tests. And on the back of the fine print…it is made in China.”

The tests were made by  iHealth, a unit of the Chinese company Andon Health Co. Ltd; they were awarded a $1.275 billion dollar government contract for the rapid antigen tests.

Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) says it’s like “paying the arsonist for helping put out the fire.” 

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE.) called it “ridiculous” given China has “not been transparent one iota on what happened at Wuhan.” 

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) says this is just the latest in a long list of failures.

“Joe Biden, Dr. Fauci, Dr. Walensky, and our federal health agencies’ handling of COVID-19 has been a complete failure,” Johnson told the Washington Free Beacon. “The president has been eliminating American jobs since day one in office and this is another insult to American businesses who are suffering under the failure of his economic policies.”

China is treating the contract as a major propaganda victory.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) shared the story on Twitter:

“Not a single taxpayer dollar should be going to Communist China for ANYTHING – let alone COVID tests.”

Not a single taxpayer dollar should be going to Communist China for ANYTHING – let alone COVID tests.https://t.co/rw5VhpwwWq

— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) January 28, 2022

January 31, 2022 at 08:12AM - The First
‘PAYING THE ARSONIST’: GOP Members Blast Biden for $1.2B China COVID Test Contract
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV

Husbands and wives are at odds over COVID-19 vaccines. Cheryl Hines, wife of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. tweeted that his remarks at an anti-mandate rally in Washington were “reprehensible and insensitive.” Meanwhile, septuagenarian rockers are abandoning Spotify because Joe Rogan invited some people to his podcast who didn’t toe the acceptable line on vaccines.

RFK Jr. compared the persecution experienced by those opposed to vaccine mandates (and therefore, supporting those who refuse the jabs) to that suffered by Jews, such as Anne Frank, hiding from Nazis in the Holocaust.

My husband’s reference to Anne Frank at a mandate rally in D.C. was reprehensible and insensitive. The atrocities that millions endured during the Holocaust should never be compared to anyone or anything. His opinions are not a reflection of my own.

— Cheryl Hines (@CherylHines) January 25, 2022

I agree that Holocaust comparisons are a bit over the top when you’re talking about a shot to mitigate, not even prevent, a disease that has killed over 5 million worldwide. On the other hand, saying “the Holocaust should never be compared to anyone or anything” is high melodrama. It’s certainly appropriate to compare the Holocaust to The Killing Fields of Pol Pot, or the Armenian genocide, or China’s treatment of the Uighur people. 

Both RFK, Jr. and his wife are wrong. One seeks to turn public health administrators and governors appropriately wielding constitutional authority into the Gestapo. The other seeks to silence any hint of dissent, thought there’s plenty of things the pro-vaccine crowd—never mind the uninformed knee-jerk political Twitter class who don’t know mRNA from diastase, I mean the actual researchers who developed the vaccines and study coronaviruses for a living—don’t know and don’t agree on.

Joe Rogan was absolutely right to put folks like Dr. Robert Malone in front of his microphone. Not only does Malone have unimpeachable bona-fides in the field of mRNA vaccines, his opinion was offered in the field he knows about. So many talking heads on the networks do nothing but take the spoon-fed lines from the government, Dr. Fauci, the CDC and others who nod in agreement, why shouldn’t Rogan present a dissenting point of view?

The problem is that the government et. al. don’t want any opposing points of view or dissent. If they had their druthers, they’d drag the unvaccinated in chains to a clinic, force them to sit in a chair, and inject them against their will. The only thing that separates those authoritarian jackboots from the CCP, which welded people inside their apartments, is the patina of “democracy,” which of course now depends on everyone agreeing unanimously on how to “defeat COVID.”

Spotify is being strong-armed to suffer enough financial pain so they’d dump Rogan, their most popular podcaster.

Rogan offered a reasonable response, which has been characterized as “backs down,” “apologizes,” and “defends podcast” by various media.

Rogan didn’t say he shouldn’t have had Malone or others as his guests. He did offer to “balance things out” more in the future.

But why? People have the choice to listen to Joe Rogan, or not to listen. Spotify is not ubiquitous like network television or AM radio. It’s a subscription service; you have to download the app, sign up, pay money, etc. Why should Rogan be forced to limit the opinions expressed by his guests? Why does everyone have to “deplatform” anyone, regardless of their expertise or credentials, if they express any disagreement with the government’s plan-of-the-moment?

I mean, you only need to read the Biden White House’s statement from June, that we will “defeat the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022.” A month later, Biden said at a town hall broadcast, “If you’re vaccinated, you’re not going to be hospitalized, you’re not going to be in the IC unit, and you’re not going to die.” Though it’s much less likely you’ll die or be in the ICU, that promise just isn’t true.

In fact, as I wrote last month, COVID-19 will be with us for many years, as an endemic virus like the flu. There will be no end to the boosters. There will be no end to “long COVID” and researchers don’t pretend to understand the long-term effects of the disease. It’s true that the vaccines don’t cause sterility or some of the other outrageous side-effects, but a recent study acknowledged that the vaccines do affect women’s menstrual cycles.

Under Biden, the government over-promised and under-delivered. Their messaging was punitive and filled with blame for those who are scared or reticent, or rebellious regarding the vaccines. The political weaponizing of “disinformation” as a code word for censorship, when the government itself is guilty of knowingly lying (it was for your own good, though, right?) has incited people to go after private companies and citizens for merely suggesting there are other points of view.

Crushing dissent is the stuff of dictators, totalitarian states, and absolute monarchs. Calling censorship “saving democracy” is repugnant and gross. Rogan is a reasonable guy, even if RFK, Jr. is a political diva. The government’s view of its own disinformation is they don’t lie, they are just wrong. But anyone who questions the vaccines, or the need to punish those who refuse them, isn’t just wrong, they’re guilty of “spreading disinformation.”

How about calling it all “information,” and letting the public decide what’s truth and what’s lies? I know that’s not a popular thing these days, because we’re considered beneath the required intelligence to make sound decisions for ourselves, but if you look at the statistics, you’ll see just about everyone is capable of making decisions in their own interests.

Instead of acknowledging that 98.5% of Americans over 65 have gotten the jab, the media focuses on the one guy who refused a kidney transplant rather that get vaccinated. That’s supposed to change the mind of someone scared to get the vaccine? I don’t know but I’m very skeptical.

I do know many of the vaccine reticent folks I know have changed their tune and gotten the jab. It takes time and patience to persuade. Unfortunately, aging rockers like Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, and Joni Mitchell aren’t patient (though if they’re vaccinated, what do they care if you’re not?). I’d rather be like Joe Rogan, who is genuinely interested in not censoring anyone.

Let me close with this question. Ask everyone you know if they listen to Joe Rogan. Then ask them if Rogan influenced their decision either to get the vaccine or not. I think you’ll find that just about everyone made their own decision, not because they listen to some podcast. The whole thing is an exercise in flexing authoritarian power. Regardless of what you think about the vaccines (get the jab, I’m vaccinated and boosted), censorship is not “saving democracy.”

Follow Steve on Twitter @stevengberman.

The First TV contributor network is a place for vibrant thought and ideas. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of The First or The First TV. We want to foster dialogue, create conversation, and debate ideas. See something you like or don’t like? Reach out to the author or to us at [email protected]. 

January 31, 2022 at 07:07AM - Steve Berman
DON’T CAVE, JOE! Censorship is Not “Saving Democracy” | Steve Berman
Read the full story by clicking this headline, at The First TV